Respiratory support in the newborn

Respiratory support of the newborn infant is a challenging situation in neonatology. The immature lung is especially prone to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a multifactor disease related to the use of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy in very preterm newborn infants. The role of respiratory support is still not well established, but the evidence suggests that less invasive respiratory support is associated with the highest survival without BPD. Different modalities of respiratory support will be discussed in terms of improving lung function with a low risk of lung damage.