A pilot exploratory study examining the potential influence of continuous positive airway pressure devices on cranial molding trajectories in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the potential impacts of two different continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices on preterm infant head shape and circumference. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty infants born at <32 weeks gestational age requiring CPAP support were enrolled. Ten infants used the Hudson RCI Nasal Prong CPAP device and 10 infants used the Fisher-Paykel CPAP device. Infant Cranial Index (CI) and head circumference (HC) were collected weekly as well as infant gestational age at birth, and total number of days on CPAP. RESULTS: At baseline, average total birthweight of infants was 1021 grams (SD = 227 grams), average gestational age was 26.9 weeks (SD = 1.80), mean CI was 79.7 cm (SD = 5.95), and HC was 10.2 cm (SD = 0.92). Days on CPAP ranged from 16 to 63 days, with an average of 40.7 (SD = 13.6) days. Neither CI nor HC differed by device type; however, the Fisher-Paykel device was associated with slightly greater HC growth rate. CONCLUSION: CPAP devices and the pressures they apply plausibly contribute to preterm infant cranial molding over time, with the greatest potential impact on infants who require CPAP support for longer periods; however, these findings must be validated in larger cohorts. Additionally, positioning practices should be further examined to determine how they may contribute to or prevent the development of cranial molding deformity.