Nasal high flow therapy for neonates: Current evidence and future directions

Nasal high flow (nHF) therapy is a commonly used method of providing non‐invasive respiratory support for neonates. It has several potential mechanisms of action: continuous distending pressure, nasopharyngeal dead space washout, provision of heated and humidified gases and reduction of work of breathing. nHF is used in a number of clinical scenarios for preterm and term infants, including primary respiratory and post‐extubation support. In recent years, large trials have generated evidence pertinent to these indications. Novel applications for nHF in neonates warrant further research: during endotracheal intubation, for initial delivery room stabilisation of preterm infants and in conjunction with minimally invasive surfactant therapy.