Non-invasive ventilation in neonates: Indications, benefits and challenges

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become a cornerstone in the management of neonatal respiratory distress, particularly in preterm infants. It offers effective respiratory support while avoiding the complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence regarding the indications, benefits, and challenges of NIV in neonates. Various modalities, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), are widely used in neonatal intensive care units. NIV has been shown to reduce the need for intubation, decrease the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and improve overall outcomes. However, challenges such as optimal timing, patient selection, and interface-related complications remain. Understanding these aspects is essential for optimizing neonatal respiratory care, especially in low-resource settings. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and improve long-term outcomes.