Effectiveness of improvised bubble CPAP in newborns in resource limited setting (Senegal)
Keywords:
Bubble-CPAP; Improvised; Newborns; low settings resources,Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal respiratory distress remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. It is therefore essential to offer simple and accessible solutions such as low-cost, improvised bubble Continuous positive airways pressure (bCPAP).
Objectif: The main objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of improvised bCPAP in newborns with respiratory distress.
Methods: This descriptive etrospective study was conducted at the Abass Ndao Hospital Centre in Dakar over a period of one year
Results: It covers 98 newborns who received improvised bCPAP. Prematurity was the main risk factor, 80% of the newborns included. The use of improvised bCPAP led to a significant improvement: normalization of respiratory rate in 95% of patients; improvement in oxygen saturation, reduction in the severity of respiratory distress in 85% of infants. Weaning success rate of 74.5%, with a direct transition to ambient air possible in 41% of cases. The average duration of bCPAP use was 5.11 ± 0.82 days. The average length of hospitalisation in our
cohort was 12.63 ± 1.10 days. No direct adverse effects attributable to the device were observed. The complications observed and the estimated mortality rate of 25% remain a concern and were mainly related to prematurity and low birth weight.
Conclusion: The implementation of improvised bCPAP appears to be a relevant and effective alternative in resource-limited settings. Its deployment, combined with adequate training of healthcare personnel, is an essential lever for improving neonatal survival in Senegal and other similar environments.
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