Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure versus High-flow Nasal Cannula in Preterm Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Escalation Rates, Respiratory Trajectory, and Predictors of Treatment Failure: A Prospective Comparative Study

A BSTRACT Background: Noninvasive respiratory support is central to preterm respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) management, yet evidence comparing nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as primary support from resource-limited settings remains scarce. This study compared outcomes of nCPAP and HFNC as initial respiratory support in preterm neonates with RDS at a government tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in India.