Efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition caused by a deficiency in pulmonary surfactant. Many interventions, including pulmonary surfactant, non-invasive respiratory support, and other supportive treatments have been used to prevent RDS. However, recent studies have focused on the continuous positive airway pressure as a significant potential agent for preventing RDS. However, its safety and effectiveness are yet to be assessed. To this end, the current study aims to perform to explore the safety and effectiveness of continuous positive airways in treating neonates with RDS. Methods: We will conduct comprehensive literature searches on MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese BioMedical Literature from their inception to April 2021. The search aims to identify all the randomized controlled studies on continuous positive airway pressure in treating neonates with RDS. In addition, we aim to search the gray literature to establish any available potential studies. We will use 2 independent authors to determine study eligibility, extract data using the structured pro-forma table, analyze data, and utilize suitable tools in assessing the risk of bias in the selected studies. Accordingly, we will conduct all statistical analyses using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: The current study aims to provide high-quality synthesis of existing evidence concerning the continuous positive airway pressure to treat neonates suffering from RDS. Conclusion: Our findings seek to provide evidence to establish whether continuous positive airway pressure can ascertain safety and effectiveness for neonates with RDS. Ethics and dissemination: The study will require ethical approval.