Effect of Right Lateral Position on Ventilated Preterm Neonates

Objective: to evaluate the effect of right lateral positioning in comparison with supine positioning on tracheal aspirate pepsin levels as a marker of aspiration of gastric contents in ventilated preterm neonates. Study design: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 ventilated preterm neonates < 35 weeks. They were randomized into 2 groups; one group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in right lateral position for 6 hours while the other group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in supine position for 6 hours. Tracheal aspirate sample was obtained from each neonate in both groups just after the end of 6 hours and pepsin level was measured. Ventilatory settings were observed before and during the intervention and neonates were followed up for development of bronchopulmpnary dysplasia (BPD).

Inclusion criteria

• A total of 60 preterm neonates < 35 weeks gestational age were enrolled in the study, Inclusion criteria were tracheal intubated mechanically ventilated neonates for more than 72 hours, feeding >30ml/kg/day via nasogastric tube.

Exclusion criteria

• Neonates with perinatal asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage grade 3 or 4, periventricular leukomalacia, major congenital anomalies, gastrointestinal anomalies such as tracheoesophageal fistula, or necrotizing enterocolitis , receiving xanthine derivatives, H2 blockers, prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors or sedatives were excluded.