Study Population:
All infants with a birth weight <1,250 grams, gestational age ≥23weeks, and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care Unit (NICU) at Hutzel Women’s Hospital were screened. Infants were eligible for the study if they a) received MV with an endotracheal tube, and b) had a first elective extubation attempt within 60 days of age. The decision for initial endotracheal intubation, weaning of respiratory support, extubation, post-extubation respiratory management and need for reintubation were at the discretion of the clinical team.