Background and aims While the HHFNC therapy is increasingly being utilised for non-invasive respiratory support in preterm babies its utility has not been explored in babies requiring prolonged support.

We carried out this study to compare the effectiveness of HHFNC therapy with nCPAP in babies requiring prolonged respiratory support.

Design/methods This was a retrospective study of babies less than 32 weeks gestation or 1500 gram requiring prolonged respiratory care. In order to be eligible for inclusion, the baby should have come off nCPAP successfully to low flow oxygen and needed non-invasive breathing support using nCPAP or HHFNC.

Results Complete data was available for 44 babies. Babies in HHFNC group spent significantly longer time on respiratory support. There was no difference in BPD and other complications of prematurity between two study groups (Table 2)

Conclusion HHFNC therapy is comparable to nCPAP but probably at the expense of prolonged duration of respiratory support.