2:45PM - 3:30PM

Early Origins of Lung Health: Pulmonary Trajectories, Prematurity, and the Role of CPAP

This session explores how pulmonary function is shaped early in life and how these trajectories persist across the lifespan. Attendees will examine the impact of preterm birth on lung development and long-term respiratory outcomes, and review emerging evidence on how extended CPAP therapy may support optimal lung growth and improve pulmonary function in preterm infants.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the evidence demonstrating that pulmonary function trajectories are established early in life and tend to track along stable percentiles across the lifespan.

2. Explain how preterm birth influences lung growth, structure, and long-term respiratory outcomes in offspring.

3. Describe the potential benefits of extended CPAP therapy on lung development and subsequent pulmonary function in preterm infants.

Presented by:

• Cindy McEvoy, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Credit Unions for Kids Professor in Pediatric Research - Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

3:30PM - 4:15PM

Beyond INSURE: Less-Invasive Surfactant Delivery

This session explores less-invasive surfactant delivery techniques as alternatives to traditional intubation-based approaches. Participants will review the physiologic rationale for minimizing invasive ventilation, compare procedural methods and equipment for multiple delivery strategies, and critically evaluate current evidence on safety and outcomes. Practical guidance on patient selection, implementation challenges, and future research directions will also be discussed to support informed clinical adoption.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the physiologic and clinical risks associated with endotracheal intubation and positive-pressure ventilation during traditional surfactant administration to explain the rationale for pursuing less-invasive alternatives.

2. Describe the procedural steps, required equipment, and key variations for three surfactant delivery methods: thin-catheter administration, oropharyngeal instillation, and aerosolized delivery.

3. Critically appraise the current evidence from clinical trials and systematic reviews regarding efficacy, safety, and impact on outcomes for each of these less-invasive methods.

4. Identify patient selection criteria and practical considerations for implementing these techniques in clinical practice, including limitations and ongoing research gaps.

Presented by:

• Scott Guthrie, M.D., FAAP Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Neonatologist and Director for Neonatal Quality, and Research - University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Children's Hospital at Erlanger, Chattanooga, TN

4:15PM - 5:00PM

SALSA in Neonatal Care: Evidence, Indications, and Hands-On Technique

This session introduces SALSA, reviewing the background, supporting evidence, and clinical settings in which it may be used in neonatal care. Participants will learn the approach to performing SALSA.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the background, evidence and different settings for use of SALSA

2. Describe and demonstrate how to perform SALSA

Presented by:

• Kari Roberts, MD., Professor of Pediatrics - University of Minnesota