A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula therapy on preterm infants revealed that the treatment is equally safe and effective as other methods of noninvasive ventilation.

To assess the safety and efficacy of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula therapy in preterm infants, the researchers analyzed data from previous studies. Nine clinical trials, including 1,112 preterm infants, were studied.

Results showed that high-flow nasal cannula therapy was similar in efficacy to all other forms of noninvasive ventilation studied, including nasal continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, when used as the primary means of support. The researchers also found that high-flow nasal cannula therapy was just as safe as other forms of noninvasive ventilation, with no significant difference in mortality reported.