First-line treatment using high-flow nasal cannula for children with severe bronchiolitis: Applicability and risk factors for failure

Background

Viral bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in children during the first 12 months of life. There is evidence to support the use of noninvasive ventilation in bronchiolitis. A recent respiratory management of bronchiolitis is the use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the use of HFNC as the first-line treatment for children with severe bronchiolitis and the secondary objective was to identify factors for HFNC therapy failure.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen for bronchiolitis in a pediatric ward: a pilot study

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a widely used ventilatory support in children with bronchiolitis in the intensive care setting. No data is available on HFNC use in the general pediatric ward. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of HFNC oxygen therapy in infants hospitalized in a pediatric ward for moderate–severe bronchiolitis and to assess the changes in ventilatory parameters before and after starting HFNC support. This prospective observational pilot study was carried out during the bronchiolitis season 2011–2012 in a pediatric tertiary care academic center in Italy. Interruptions of HFNC therapy and possible side effects or escalation to other forms of respiratory support were recorded. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂), and respiratory rate (RR), measured for a baseline period of 1 h before and at specific time intervals in 48 h after the start of HFNC were recorded. Twenty-seven infants were included (median age 1.3 months; absolute range 0.3–8.5). No adverse events, no premature HFNC therapy termination, and no escalation to other forms of respiratory support were recorded. Median SpO₂ significantly increased by 1–2 points after changing from standard oxygen to HFNC (p <0.001). Median ETCO₂ and RR rapidly decreased by 6–8 mmHg and 13–20 breaths per minute, respectively, in the first 3 h of HFNC therapy (p <0.001) and remained steady thereafter. Conclusions: Use of HFNC for oxygen administration is feasible for infants with moderate–severe bronchiolitis in a general pediatric ward. In these children, HFNC therapy improves oxygen saturation levels and seems to be associated with a decrease in both ETCO₂ and RR.     

高流量鼻导管吸氧对比经鼻持续气道正压通气治疗新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征疗效的Meta分析

目的 系统评价高流量鼻导管吸氧（HFNC）对比经鼻持续气道正压通气（nCPAP）治疗新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征（RDS）的有效性和安全性。方法 计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国生物医学文献数据库、万方数据库、中国知网和维普数据库建库至2020年4月1日的文献,收集HFNC对比nCPAP运用于新生儿RDS的随机对照试验（RCT）。采用RevMan5.3软件对符合纳入标准的临床研究进行Meta分析。结果 共纳入12篇RCT文献,包括2 861例新生儿,其中胎龄≥28周2 698例（94.30%）, < 28周163例（5.70%）。在初始呼吸支持中,HFNC组治疗失败率高于nCPAP组（RR=1.86,95% CI：1.53~2.25,P < 0.001）;两组有创机械通气率（P=0.40）、肺表面活性物质使用率（P=0.77）的比较差异无统计学意义。在拔管后呼吸支持中,两组治疗失败率、重新插管率、总用氧时间的比较差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。在初始呼吸支持和拔管后呼吸支持中,HFNC组的鼻损伤发生率均明显低于nCPAP组（P < 0.001）;HFNC组和nCPAP组病死率及气漏综合征、支气管肺发育不良、坏死性小肠结肠炎等并发症的发生率的比较差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 基于现有临床证据,HFNC作为新生儿RDS初始治疗时失败率高于nCPAP,不建议在新生儿RDS初始治疗时使用;在胎龄≥28周RDS新生儿撤机阶段可以考虑使用HFNC作为拔管后辅助呼吸支持。     

高流量鼻导管吸氧对比经鼻持续气道正压通气治疗新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征疗效的Meta分析

目的 系统评价高流量鼻导管吸氧（HFNC）对比经鼻持续气道正压通气（nCPAP）治疗新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征（RDS）的有效性和安全性。方法 计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国生物医学文献数据库、万方数据库、中国知网和维普数据库建库至2020年4月1日的文献,收集HFNC对比nCPAP运用于新生儿RDS的随机对照试验（RCT）。采用RevMan5.3软件对符合纳入标准的临床研究进行Meta分析。结果 共纳入12篇RCT文献,包括2 861例新生儿,其中胎龄≥28周2 698例（94.30%）, < 28周163例（5.70%）。在初始呼吸支持中,HFNC组治疗失败率高于nCPAP组（RR=1.86,95% CI：1.53~2.25,P < 0.001）;两组有创机械通气率（P=0.40）、肺表面活性物质使用率（P=0.77）的比较差异无统计学意义。在拔管后呼吸支持中,两组治疗失败率、重新插管率、总用氧时间的比较差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。在初始呼吸支持和拔管后呼吸支持中,HFNC组的鼻损伤发生率均明显低于nCPAP组（P < 0.001）;HFNC组和nCPAP组病死率及气漏综合征、支气管肺发育不良、坏死性小肠结肠炎等并发症的发生率的比较差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 基于现有临床证据,HFNC作为新生儿RDS初始治疗时失败率高于nCPAP,不建议在新生儿RDS初始治疗时使用;在胎龄≥28周RDS新生儿撤机阶段可以考虑使用HFNC作为拔管后辅助呼吸支持。     

Current practices and policies regarding the use of high-flow nasal cannula on general pediatric inpatient wards in Canada

ObjectivesHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy has become a common treatment for respiratory conditions in children. To our knowledge, no study has described practice patterns for HFNC on pediatric inpatient wards in Canada. The aim of this study was to survey current practices and policies regarding the use of HFNC on the ward in children’s hospitals in Canada.MethodsWe conducted a web-based survey of Pediatric Hospital Medicine section chiefs in major tertiary care hospitals in Canada. The primary outcome was the proportion of hospitals that use HFNC on the general pediatric ward. Secondary outcomes included indications for HFNC, initial and maximum flow rates, maximum FiO₂, method of nutrition delivery while on HFNC, level of nursing and respiratory therapist care required, criteria for pediatric intensive care unit transfer, and subjective successes and challenges of implementing a ward-based HFNC policy.ResultsThe section chief survey response rate was 100% (15/15). Eight centres (53%) allowed the use of HFNC outside of an intensive care setting. Six centres initiated HFNC on the ward, while two centres only accepted patients after HFNC had been initiated in an intensive care setting. Other practices and policies varied considerably from centre to centre.ConclusionOur study reveals that approximately half of tertiary children’s hospitals in Canada currently use HFNC on the ward and utilize a range of practices and policies. Other centres are considering implementation. Further research is needed to inform best practices for HFNC therapy, support stewardship of health care resources, and promote safe patient care.     

Factors associated with treatment failure of high-flow nasal cannula among children with bronchiolitis: a single-centre retrospective study

ObjectivesBronchiolitis is the most common viral lower respiratory tract infection in children under age 2 for which high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used. Understanding factors associated with HFNC failure is important to identify patients at risk for respiratory deterioration. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics associated with HFNC failure in bronchiolitis.MethodsA retrospective review of patients aged 0 to 24 months, with bronchiolitis who received HFNC within a single tertiary paediatric intensive care unit, between January 2014 and December 2018 was conducted. HFNC treatment failure was defined as escalation to non-invasive positive pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters associated with HFNC failure.ResultsTwo hundred eight patients met inclusion criteria, of which 61 (29.33%) failed HFNC. Risk factors for HFNC failure included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.23; P=0.011) and a Modified Tal score greater than 5 at 4 hours of HFNC therapy (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.04, 7.64; P=0.042). Duration of HFNC in hours was protective (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.92, 0.96; P<0.001), such that deterioration is less likely once patients have remained stable on HFNC for a prolonged time.ConclusionThis is the first study exploring predictors of HFNC failure among Canadian children with bronchiolitis. Patient age, HFNC duration, and Modified Tal score were associated with HFNC failure. These factors should be considered when initiating HFNC for bronchiolitis to identify patients at risk for deterioration.     

A randomised cross‐over study showed no difference in diaphragm activity during weaning from respiratory support

Aim

We measured electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) to compare the breathing effort in preterm infants during weaning from respiratory support with high‐flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP).

Methods

This randomised cross‐over study was carried out at St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, from December 2013 to June 2015. We gave 21 preterm infants weighing at least 1000 g HFNC 6 L/minute for four hours and nCPAP 3 cmH₂O for four hours with a one‐hour wash‐out period. Measurements included diaphragmatic load, Edi, vital signs and a modified Silverman‐Andersen Retraction Score.

Results

We found no differences in HFNC and nCPAP in the median Edi peak (8.0 μV versus 7.8 μV, p = 0.095), median Edi min (1.1 μV versus 1.2 μV in, p = 0.958) or mean heart rate (157 versus 159, p = 0.300) in the 21 infants who took part. The mean respiratory rate was significantly lower during HFNC than nCPAP (47 versus 52, p = 0.012). The modified Silverman‐Andersen Retraction Score showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

This study of preterm infants found no difference in the breathing effort measured by Edi between HFNC 6 L/minute and nCPAP 3 cmH₂O. HFNC could replace nCPAP when preterm infants are ready for weaning.     

High-flow nasal cannula implementation has not reduced intubation rates for bronchiolitis in Canada

Background and ObjectiveBronchiolitis is the most common reason for admission to hospital in the first year of life, with increasing hospitalization rates in Canada. Respiratory support with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is being routinely used in paediatric centres, though the evidence of efficacy is continuing to be evaluated. We examined the impact of HFNC on intubation rates, hospital and paediatric critical care unit (PCCU) length of stay (LOS), and PCCU admission rates in paediatric tertiary centres in Canada.MethodsWe conducted a multicentre, interrupted time series analysis to examine intubation rates pre- to postimplementation of HFNC for bronchiolitis. Data were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information database. Paediatric tertiary centres that introduced HFNC between 2009 and 2014 were included, and data were collected from April 2005 to March 2017.ResultsA total of 17,643 patients met inclusion criteria. There was no significant change in intubation rates after the introduction of HFNC. There was a significant increase in PCCU admission, with a decrease in the PCCU LOS following the introduction of HFNC. There was no significant change in average hospital LOS after HFNC was introduced.ConclusionsThis study adds to the evolving evidence showing that overall disease course is not modified by the use of HFNC. The initiation of HFNC in Canadian paediatric centres resulted in no significant change in intubation rates or average LOS in hospital, but had an increase in PCCU admissions. Careful monitoring of new technologies on their clinical impact as well as health care resource utilization is warranted.     

Oxigenoterapia de alto flujo con cánula nasal en el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis aguda en neonatos

ObjectiveTo determine whether the availability of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy was associated with a decrease in need for mechanical ventilation in neonates hospitalised with acute bronchiolitis.MethodsA combined retrospective and prospective (ambispective) cohort study was performed in a type II-B Neonatal Unit, including hospitalised neonates with acute bronchiolitis after the introduction of HFNC (HFNC-period; October 2011-April 2015). They were compared with a historical cohort prior to the availability of this technique (pre-HFNC; January 2008-May 2011). The need for mechanical ventilation between the two study groups was analysed. Clinical parameters and technique-related complications were evaluated in neonates treated with HFNC.ResultsA total of 112 neonates were included, 56 after the introduction of HFNC and 56 from the period before the introduction of HFNC. None of patients in the HFNC-period required intubation, compared with 3.6% of the patients in the pre-HFNC group. The availability of HFNC resulted in a significant decrease in the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (30.4% vs 10.7%; P = .01), with a relative risk (RR) of .353 (95% CI; .150-.829), an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 19.6% (95% CI; 5.13 - 34.2), yielding a NNT of 5. In the HFNC-period, 22 patients received high flow therapy, and 22.7% (95% CI; 7.8 to 45.4) required non-invasive ventilation. Treatment with HFNC was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate (P = .03), respiratory rate (P = .01), and an improvement in the Wood-Downes Férres score (P = .00). No adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsThe availability of HFNC reduces the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation, allowing a safe and effective medical management of neonates with acute bronchiolitis.     

High-flow nasal cannulae and nasal continuous positive airway pressure use in non-tertiary special care nurseries in Australia and New Zealand

Aim: Non‐tertiary centres (NTCs) in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly providing non‐invasive respiratory support, including high‐flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), to newborn infants. We aimed to determine the proportion of NTCs in these countries treating newborn infants with HFNC and nCPAP, and how these therapies are used. Methods: We surveyed public and private NTCs in Australia and public NTCs in New Zealand. The survey, directed at senior medical and nursing staff, consisted of questions regarding unit demographics, HFNC and nCPAP use. Results: One hundred seventeen responses were received regarding HFNC use, from 88% (80/91) of public hospitals and 64% (37/58) of private hospitals surveyed. Ten (8.5%) responders (nine public and one private) used HFNC; all used the Fisher & Paykel system. HFNC was used for respiratory distress syndrome from birth (9/10 units), as a weaning mode from nCPAP (5/10 units) and as treatment for apnoea (3/10 units). Flow rates used ranged from 1 to 8 L/min, with typical minimum flow of 1 L/min and maximum of 4–6 L/min. The main perceived advantage of HFNC was ‘ease of use’. In the units treating newborn infants with nCPAP, it was used either in an ongoing fashion (43 units), short term or episodically (four units), or only for stabilisation prior to transfer (11 units). Excluding those units using nCPAP only for stabilisation and non‐responders, 47/108 (44%) units were using nCPAP. Conclusions: HFNC is being used in NTCs in Australia and New Zealand, and the use of nCPAP has increased over time.     

Real-life study of the role of high-flow nasal cannula for bronchiolitis in children younger than 3 months hospitalised in general pediatric departments

We aimed to describe the real-life role of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for bronchiolitis in infants under 3 months of age admitted to three general pediatric departments during the 2017–2018 epidemic period. We retrospectively assessed the clinical severity (Wang score) for every 24-h period of treatment (H0–H24 and H24–H48) according to the initiated medical care (HFNC, oxygen via nasal cannula, or supportive treatments only), the child's discomfort (EDIN score), and transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A total of 138 infants were included: 47 ± 53 days old, 4661 ± 851.9 g, 70 boys (50.7%), 58 with hypoxemia (42%), Wang score of 6.67 ± 2.58, 110 (79.7%) staying for 48 consecutive hours in the same ward. During the H0–H24 period, only patients treated with HFNC had a statistically significant decrease in the severity score (n = 21/110; ?2 points, P = 0.002) and an improvement in the discomfort score (n = 15/63; ?3.8 points, P < 0.0001). There was no difference between groups during the H24–H48 period. The rate of admission to the PICU was 2.9% for patients treated for at least 24 h with HFNC (n = 34/138, 44% with oxygen) versus 16.3% for the others (P = 0.033). Early use of HFNC improves both clinical status and discomfort in infants younger than 3 months admitted for moderately severe bronchiolitis, whatever their oxygen status.     

The impact of dual viral infection in infants admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit associated with severe bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in early childhood worldwide. The presence of more than one pathogen may influence the natural history of acute bronchiolitis in infants. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relevance of dual viral infection in infants with severe bronchiolitis hospitalized in a short-term unit compared with those in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred eighty infants <1 year old hospitalized with bronchiolitis in a short-term unit (n = 92) or admitted to the PICU (n = 88) during 2 consecutive winter seasons 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 were evaluated. Molecular biology and standard methods were used to diagnose human respiratory viruses in nasal/throat swabs and nasal aspirates. Clinical data related to host factors and viral prevalence were compared among infants requiring or not PICU support. RESULTS: A viral agent was identified in 96.1% of infants with bronchiolitis. Respiratory syncytial virus (70.6% and 73.6%, respectively in the short-term unit and PICU) and rhinovirus (18.5% and 25.3%, respectively in the short-term unit and PICU) were the main detected respiratory viruses in infants hospitalized in both units. No significant difference in viral prevalence was observed between the populations studied. From multivariate analysis, infants with coinfections were 2.7 times (95% CI: 1.2-6.2) more at risk for PICU admission than those with a single infection. Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus were the viruses most frequently identified in mixed infections in infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. CONCLUSIONS: Dual viral infection is a relevant risk factor for the admission of infants with severe bronchiolitis to the PICU.     

Association between multiple respiratory viral infections and pediatric intensive care unit admission among infants with bronchiolitis

BackgroundIt is unclear whether multiple respiratory viral infections are associated with more severe bronchiolitis requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. We aimed to identify the association between multiple respiratory viral infections and PICU admission among infants with bronchiolitis.MethodsWe performed a 1:1 case-control study enrolling previously healthy full-term infants (≤12 months) with bronchiolitis admitted to the PICU as cases and those to the general pediatric ward as controls from 2015 to 2017. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of the respiratory viruses. We summarized the characteristics of infants admitted to the PICU and the general pediatric unit. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to fit the association between multiple respiratory viral infections (≥2 strains) and PICU admission.ResultsA total of 135 infants admitted to the PICU were compared with 135 randomly selected control infants admitted to the general pediatric unit. The PICU patients were younger (median: 2.2 months, interquartile range: 1.3–4.2) than the general ward patients (median: 3.2 months, interquartile range: 1.6–6.4). Respiratory syncytial virus (74.1%), rhinovirus (28.9%), and coronavirus (5.9%) were the most common viruses for bronchiolitis requiring PICU admission. Patients with bronchiolitis admitted to the PICU tended to have multiple viral infections compared with patients on the general ward (23.0% vs. 10.4%, P < 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, bronchiolitis with multiple viral infections was associated with higher odds of PICU admission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–5.57, P = 0.02).ConclusionInfants with multiviral bronchiolitis have higher odds of PICU admission compared with those with a single or nondetectable viral infection.     

Comparison of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit

Aim: To describe the clinical presentation and course of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection, and compare them with children admitted to the PICU with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Methods: hMPV was identified by immunofluorescence in 22 children admitted to the PICU over a 16‐month period. The medical records of these children were reviewed retrospectively, and their clinical and laboratory data were compared with 66 children admitted to the PICU with positive tests for RSV over the same period. Results: Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV were significantly older than children with RSV (P= 0.003). Children with hMPV presented more commonly with pneumonia or pneumonitis (29% vs. 16%), and less commonly with bronchiolitis (43% vs. 68%) than RSV (P= 0.13). Invasive ventilation was required in 10 patients (48%) with hMPV, and non‐invasive ventilation was required in a further 5 (28%), similar to patients with RSV. Children with hMPV were more likely to have an underlying co‐morbidity (P= 0.11). Conclusions: Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV have a similar disease presentation and severity as children admitted with RSV, including some with extremely severe disease who require additional ventilatory or cardiovascular support. Children with hMPV are likely to be older than those with RSV, and more likely to present with pneumonia and less likely to present with bronchiolitis.     

儿童经鼻高流量氧疗呼吸支持早期失败的高危因素分析

目的 探讨急性呼吸功能不全患儿经鼻高流量氧疗（HFNC）早期失败的高危因素。方法 回顾性分析2018年1~6月入住儿童重症监护室的123例行HFNC呼吸支持的急性呼吸功能不全患儿的临床资料。将住院期间无需升级呼吸支持方式，且成功撤离HFNC的患儿归为HFNC成功组（69例）；其余患儿在住院期间需升级呼吸支持方式（54例），其中使用HFNC 48 h内升级呼吸支持方式的患儿归为HFNC早期失败组（46例）。采用多因素logistic回归分析评估分析HFNC早期失败的危险因素。结果 HFNC早期失败组罹患休克、脓毒症、颅内高压综合征或多器官功能障碍综合征的比例显著高于HFNC成功组（P < 0.05）。早期失败组实施呼吸支持前的格拉斯哥昏迷评分、pH值、氧合指数均显著低于HFNC成功组（P < 0.05），而小儿死亡风险评分（PRISM评分）、PaCO₂/PaO₂比值显著高于HFNC成功组（P < 0.05）。多因素logistic回归分析显示，PRISM评分 > 4.5分和PaCO₂/PaO₂比值 > 0.64是HFNC早期失败的独立危险因素（OR分别为5.535、9.089，P < 0.05）。结论 PRISM评分 > 4.5分或PaCO₂/PaO₂比值 > 0.64的急性呼吸功能不全患儿行HFNC早期失败的风险较高。     

Use of high-flow nasal cannula in infants with viral bronchiolitis outside pediatric intensive care units

European Journal of Pediatrics - High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is frequently used in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis outside pediatric intensive care units (PICU). A structured...     

Relationship between PAO2/FIO2 and SATO2/FIO2 with mortality and duration of admission in critically ill children

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to analyse the relationships and the association between PaO₂/FiO₂ and SatO₂/FiO_2with the duration of admission in Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) and mortality, and to study the relationships between both ratios.Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on PICU patients in whom a gas analysis was performed in the first twenty-four hours of admission. Demographic, clinical and ventilation variables were collected, and the relationship between PaO₂/FiO₂ and SatO₂/FiO₂ with days of admission and mortality was determined. Finally, the best cut-off points of SatO₂/FiO₂ were determined for PaO₂/FiO₂ values greater and less than 200.ResultsOf 512 patients admitted during one year, a gas analysis was performed on 358, 65% of those in arterial blood. The median duration of hospitalization was two days and there were 11 patient deaths. There was a low negative correlation between the values of PaO₂/FiO₂ and SatO_2/FiO₂ on admission to PICU and with duration of admission, and an inverse association with mortality (P < .01). This association was stronger for the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio in patients with heart disease, those undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, and for arterial blood samples. PaO₂/FiO₂ and SatO₂/FiO₂ ratios were significantly correlated with each other. A cut-off of 200 for SatO₂/FiO₂ had a sensitivity of 97.5% for classifying patients with PaO₂/FiO₂ values lower or higher than 200.ConclusionsPaO₂/FiO₂ and SatO₂/FiO₂ index are markers of severity in critically ill patients. In patients who do not have an arterial line, SatO₂/FiO₂ index can be used for assessment of oxygenation as an indicator of severity in children in critical condition.     

Central apnoeas in infants with bronchiolitis admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit

Aim: To further characterize apnoea(s) complicating bronchiolitis because of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to describe the incidence of this complication and identify possible risk factors for apnoea(s) and its development. Methods: The files of infants admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for RSV bronchiolitis during three bronchiolitis seasons (2004–2007) were reviewed for demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Parameters were compared between patients with and without apnoeas. Results: Seventy‐nine patients met the study criteria: 43 were admitted to the PICU for central apnoeas and the remainder for respiratory distress or failure. The percentage of infants admitted for apnoea increased during the study period (28.6 to 77.1%, p = 0.004). The overall prevalence of apnoea in this population was 4.3%. Possible risk factors for apnoea(s) were younger age (1.3 vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.002), lower admission weight (3.3 vs. 5 kg, p < 0.001), lower gestational age (35.8 vs. 37.8 weeks, p = 0.01), admission from the emergency room (50% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001) and lack of hyperthermia (p < 0.001). Respiratory acidosis was found to be a protective factor on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of apnoea in infants admitted to the PICU for RSV bronchiolitis in our centre may be increasing. Preterm, younger infants with no fever are at relatively high risk of apnoea at presentation, while older infants with fever are at lower risk.     

Tratamiento con oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en las crisis asmáticas en la planta de hospitalización de pediatría: nuestra experiencia

Objective

To assess the experience with oxygen therapy with a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in hospital on patients with asthmatic exacerbation (AE) in a paediatric ward, and to assess the clinical outcome according with the initial oxygen flow (15lpm or < 15lpm).