高流量鼻导管氧疗与早产儿呼吸支持

高流量鼻导管氧疗(high flow nasal cannulae,HFNC)是一种经充分湿化、加温,流量大于1～2 L/min,通过鼻塞外联吸氧管输送高流量混合氧气的无创性呼吸支持模式。在新生儿的应用中,HFNC 产生的扩张压与氧流量呈正相关,与新生儿体型呈负相关,同时沿导管泄露氧气也会对其造成影响。HFNC在提高新生儿潮气量、呼吸功等方面与经鼻持续气道正压通气(nasal continuous positive airway pressure, nCPAP)可能有相似效果,但仅限于流量低于2 L/min 的情况下。HFNC 可替代 CPAP /nCPAP 等各类无创通气方法,但在早产儿中推广普及则缺乏更强有力的证据支持。     

Effects of synchronization during nasal ventilation in clinically stable preterm infants

Nasal ventilation is increasingly used to reduce invasive ventilation in preterm infants. The effects of nasal ventilation and the advantages of synchronized nasal ventilation have not been fully evaluated. The objective was to compare the short-term effects of nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) and synchronized NIMV (S-NIMV) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) on ventilation, gas exchange, and infant-ventilator interaction. Sixteen clinically stable preterm infants requiring NCPAP (GA, 27.6 ± 2.3 wk; birthweight (BW), 993 ± 248 g; and age, 15 ± 14 d) were exposed to NCPAP, NIMV at 20/min, NIMV at 40/min, S-NIMV at 20/min, and S-NIMV at 40/min for 1 h each (Infant-Star ventilator), in random order. Tidal volume, minute ventilation, and gas exchange did not differ significantly between NCPAP, NIMV, and S-NIMV. Inspiratory effort decreased during S-NIMV compared with NCPAP and NIMV, whereas inspiratory effort during NIMV did not differ from NCPAP. Active expiratory effort and expiratory duration increased during NIMV. Chest wall distortion, apnea and hypoxemia spells, abdominal girth, and comfort did not differ. In conclusion, there were no short-term benefits on ventilation and gas exchange of nasal ventilation compared with NCPAP in clinically stable preterm infants. However, synchronized nasal ventilation reduced breathing effort and resulted in better infant-ventilator interaction than nonsynchronized nasal ventilation.     

湿化高流量鼻导管通气治疗早产儿严重呼吸暂停

目的 探讨湿化高流量鼻导管通气（humidified high flow nasal cannula,HHFNC）治疗早产儿严重呼吸暂停的疗效.方法 选取82例短时间呼吸暂停2次以上（使用氨茶碱）,6h内反复发生,或需要面罩复苏囊正压通气的早产儿为研究对象,将患儿分为HHFNC组40例及经鼻持续气道正压通气（nasal continuous positive airway pressure,NCPAP）组42例,HHFNC组在此基础上应用HHFNC辅助治疗,NCPAP组应用NCPAP辅助治疗.治疗后观察两组患儿治疗总有效率、有创通气例数、无创通气时间、总用氧时间、氧交换指标及并发症发生情况.结果 HHFNC组治疗总有效率、有创通气例数、无创通气时间、氧交换指标、总用氧时间与NCPAP组比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.HHFNC组鼻损伤并发率低于NCPAP组[10.0％ （4/40） vs 30.9％ （13/42）],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;两组患儿并发坏死性小肠结肠炎、喂养不耐受、呼吸道感染、晶体后纤维化、支气管肺发育不良的并发率差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 HHFNC治疗呼吸暂停作用与NCPAP相当,并能降低患儿鼻损伤的发生率,可应用于临床.     

经鼻导管高流量氧疗在儿童急性呼吸衰竭中的应用效果评价

目的探讨经鼻导管高流量氧疗(HFNC)在儿童呼吸衰竭中的应用效果。方法前瞻性研究,对象为2018年1月至2019年12月上海交通大学附属儿童医院儿童重症监护病房(PICU)收治的1~14岁符合纳入标准的153例急性呼吸衰竭患儿。HFNC成功定义为治疗过程中未升级为有创机械通气并成功撤离HFNC,HFNC失败定义为需要升级为有创机械通气。HFNC设置流量2 L/(kg·min)(最大≤60 L/min),吸入氧浓度(FiO2)0.30~1.00,维持经皮氧饱和度(SpO2)0.94~0.97。观察成功组和失败组在应用HFNC前及应用后1、6、12、24、48 h及超过48 h撤机时动脉血氧分压(PaO2)、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO2),SpO2、PaO2/FiO2等指标的差异。组间比较采用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验或χ2检验。应用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估呼吸相关临床参数预测HFNC治疗成功的灵敏度和特异度。结果153例患儿中男70例、女83例,HFNC成功组131例(85.6%),失败组22例(14.4%)。成功组HFNC时间为57(38,95)h,起始治疗和全部撤机时PaO2/FiO2分别为187(170,212)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)和280(262,292)mmHg。失败组HFNC时间为19(9,49)h,起始与全部撤机时PaO2/FiO2分别为176(171,189)mmHg和159(156,161)mmHg。初始使用HFNC成功组与失败组PaO2/FiO2比较,HFNC后1 h[196(182,211)比174(160,178)mmHg,Z=-5.105,P<0.01]、6 h[213(203,220)比168(157,170)mmHg,Z=-6.772,P<0.01]、12 h[226(180,261)比165(161,170)mmHg,Z=-4.308,P<0.01]、24 h[229(195,259)比165(161,170)mmHg,Z=-4.609,P<0.01]、48 h[249(216,273)比163(158,169)mmHg,Z=-4.628,P<0.01]及超过48 h撤机时[277(268,283)比157(154,158)mmHg,Z=-3.512,P<0.01]差异均有统计学意义。初始使用HFNC成功组和失败组PaO2在应用后1 h[73.7(71.0,76.7)比70.0(66.2,71.2)mmHg,Z=-4.587,P<0.01]、6 h[79.0(75.0,82.0)比71.0(62.0,72.0)mmHg,Z=-5.954,P<0.01]差异有统计学意义;成功组和失败组SpO2在应用后1 h[0.96(0.95,0.96)比0.94(0.92,0.94),Z=-4.812,P<0.01]、6 h[0.96(0.95,0.97)比0.94(0.91,0.95),Z=-5.024,P<0.01]差异均有统计学意义;两组HFNC>48 h撤机时PaO2[88.0(81.7,95.0)比63.7(63.3,66.0)mmHg,Z=-3.032,P<0.01]、SpO2[0.96(0.94,0.98)比0.91(0.90,0.92),Z=-3.957,P<0.01]差异均有统计学意义。失败组主要并发症为肺不张1例、气胸1例。HFNC作为拔管后序贯氧疗79例,均获得成功。通过ROC曲线分析HFNC应用成功多因素的灵敏度和特异度显示HFNC撤机PaO2/FiO2的ROC曲线下面积最大,为0.990,最佳截断值为232 mmHg,95%CI为0.970~1.000(P<0.01)。结论HFNC可作为PICU儿童轻、中度呼吸衰竭的呼吸支持措施,也可作为有创呼吸机撤离后的序贯氧疗。撤机时PaO2/FiO2为评估HFNC应用成功的最优指标。     

Early weaning from CPAP to high flow nasal cannula in preterm infants is associated with prolonged oxygen requirement: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

To determine the better approach for weaning preterm infants from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) with or without transitioning to nasal cannula (NC).

Design/methods

This is a randomized, open label, controlled trial. Preterm infants born at ≥ 28 weeks gestation who were clinically stable on NCPAP of 5 cm H₂O with FiO₂ < 0.30 for at least 24 h were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. The no-NC group were kept on NCPAP until they were on FiO₂ = 0.21 for 24 h, and then were weaned off NCPAP completely without any exposure to NC. If they met failing criteria, NCPAP was re-instituted. The NC-group was weaned off NCPAP when FiO₂ was ≤ 0.30 to NC (2 L/min) followed by gradual weaning from oxygen. Infants who failed NC were supported back with NCPAP for 24 h before making a second attempt of NC.

Results

Sixty neonates were enrolled; 30 in each group. The two groups were similar in birthweight, gestational age, sex, antenatal steroids, mode of delivery, use of surfactant and xanthines, and duration of mechanical ventilation. After randomization, the no-NC group had fewer days on oxygen [median (interquartile range): 5 (1-8) vs 14 (7.5-19.25) days, p < 0.001] and shorter duration of respiratory support [10.5 (4-21) vs 18 (11.5-29) days, p = 0.03]. There were no differences between groups regarding success of weaning from NCPAP.

Conclusions

Weaning preterm infants from NCPAP to NC is associated with increased exposure to oxygen and longer duration of respiratory support.     

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.     

枸橼酸咖啡因治疗对呼吸暂停早产儿早期肺功能的影响

目的探讨枸橼酸咖啡因治疗早产儿呼吸暂停(AOP)对患儿早期肺功能的影响。方法 40例AOP患儿随机分为氨茶碱治疗组(20例)和咖啡因治疗组(20例)。2组患儿均在生后出现呼吸暂停时在经鼻持续气道正压通气(NCPAP)辅助通气的基础上给予氨茶碱或枸橼酸咖啡因治疗,停药后行肺功能检测,比较两组之间肺功能的变化。结果治疗后咖啡因治疗组潮气量、每分通气量、达峰时间比、达峰容积比、潮气呼吸呼气峰流速及75%、50%、25%潮气量时呼吸流速均高于氨茶碱治疗组(P0.05);咖啡因治疗组用氧时间、NCPAP使用时间均低于氨茶碱治疗组(P0.01)。与氨茶碱治疗组比较,咖啡因治疗组用药7d后呼吸暂停发生频率明显减少(P0.01)。结论枸橼酸咖啡因治疗AOP可以改善患儿早期肺功能,减少呼吸暂停的发生。     

早产儿经鼻高流量氧疗安全性和有效性的系统评价和Meta分析

目的评价经鼻高流量氧疗(HFNC)用于早产儿的安全性和有效性。方法计算机检索中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库、维普数据库、万方数据库、Medline、Embase、Web of Sience和the Cochrane Library,收集早产儿应用HFNC(HFNC组)和经鼻持续气道正压通气(NCPAP组)的RCT,检索时间为建库至2017年3月31日。主要结局指标:住院病死率和治疗失败需有创机械通气(气管插管)率;次要结局指标:支气管肺发育不良(BPD)、气漏、肺部感染和鼻部损伤的发生率,肺表面活性物质的应用率。结果 8篇文献1 604例患儿进入本文Meta分析,HFNC组799例,NCPAP组805例。8篇均报告了计算机随机序列产生,7篇采用分配隐藏,8篇文献均无失访、数据完整性好、研究结果无选择性报告,其他偏倚不清楚。两组病死率和气管插管率差异均无统计学意义。病死率行亚组分析,差异仍无统计学意义。气管插管率行亚组分析显示,体重均数≥1 500 g(OR=1.58,95%CI:1.11~2.26,P=0.01)和胎龄≥28周(OR=1.58,95%CI:1.13~2.22,P=0.008),NCPAP组气管插管率低于HFNC组。BPD、气漏、肺部感染发生率和肺表面活性物质应用率,两组差异无统计学意义。HFNC组鼻部损伤发生率低于NCPAP组(OR=-0.14,95%CI:-0.19~-0.09,P0.0001)。结论 HFNC应用于早产儿的疗效和安全性有待进一步证实,其鼻部损伤发生率低于NCPAP。     

In vitro comparison of nasal continuous positive airway pressure devices for neonates

OBJECTIVE: To compare the resistance in vitro of different devices used for the delivery of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in neonates. DESIGN: Flows of 4-8 litres/min were passed through a selection of neonatal NCPAP devices (single prong, Duotube, Argyle prong, Hudson prong, Infant Flow Driver), and the resultant fall in pressure measured using a calibrated pressure transducer. RESULTS: The decrease in pressure (cm H(2)O) for each device (size in parentheses) at a constant flow of 6 litres/min was: Duotube: (2.5), 21; (3.0), 6.2; (3.5), 2.3; single prong: (2.5), 4.4; (3.0), 2.1; (3.5), 1.2; Argyle prong: (XS), 3.6; (S), 1.9; (L), 1.5; Hudson prong: (0), 3.1; (1), 1.8; (2), 0.6; (3), 0.4; (4), 0.3; Infant Flow Driver: (small), 0.3; (medium), -0.3; (large), -0.5. CONCLUSIONS: A large variation in the potential fall in pressure may occur in the clinical setting. Devices with short double prongs had the lowest resistance to flow. These results have implications in the selection of the optimal device/s for clinical application and for future comparisons in randomised trials of NCPAP in neonates.     

加温湿化高流量经鼻导管氧疗的作用机制及在儿科的应用

加温湿化高流量经鼻导管氧疗(heated humidified high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy,HFNC)具有改善呼吸做功,产生呼吸末正压效应,操作简单,患者耐受性优良,安全性高的特点.目前已经广泛用于新生儿相关的呼吸支持治疗,但缺乏在婴幼儿和儿童的广泛使用和研究.从HFNC作用机制及儿科生理学角度看,适合用于婴儿病毒性毛细支气管炎、儿童肺炎、哮喘、急性呼吸窘迫综合征以及拔管后呼吸支持治疗.HFNC应该成为儿科首选的常规氧疗模式.     

„Nasal continuous positive airway pressure“ und noninvasive Beatmung bei Frühgeborenen

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in newborn infants was first described in 1971. In the meantime the guidelines recommend the use of nasal CPAP (NCPAP) for the resuscitation of even the smallest preterm infants instead of immediate mechanical ventilation. Numerous NCPAP systems have appeared on the market in recent years which can be divided into two groups according to their operating mode. The first group includes jet CPAP systems which are also called variable flow NCPAP systems which create the pressure by one or two jets which blow gas with high velocity into the airways of the patients. Thus the required pressure is built up in the airways of the infants or directly in front of them. These machines generate only a low expiratory resistance; however, they produce a lot of noise which can reach noise levels of up to 100 dB(A). In the second group the pressure is created by means of an expiratory valve which works in a similar way to invasive ventilation systems. These systems generate more expiratory resistance but run much more quietly and even allow non-invasive ventilation. With jet systems non-invasive ventilation is very difficult. In small infants high flow nasal cannulas have become much more popular than conventional NCPAP systems. These systems are in between the above mentioned groups. They work by means of jets but the pressure achieved depends on the size relationship of the nostrils to the outer diameter of the nosepieces. High flow nasal cannulas are very convenient for the infants but the pressure applied by these systems cannot be controlled.     

Apnea of prematurity: I. Lung function and regulation of breathing

It has been suggested that apnea of prematurity may be caused by "immaturity" of central control of breathing. To test the validity of this hypothesis tidal volume (VT), alveolar ventilation (VA), alveolar Pco2 (Paco2), esophageal pressure change, and the slope of the CO2 response curve (delta Ve [minute ventilation]/delta Paco2) were determined in 18 infants with apnea (mean of 32 episodes of more than 20 seconds duration per day) and in 18 healthy newborns used as control subjects. The infants were matched for birth weight (1,068 g v 1,065 g), gestational age (30.2 weeks v 30.2 weeks), and postnatal age (8.6 days v 8.3 days). The results were as follows: Vt (4.4 +/- 1.0 mL/kg v 5.3 +/- 1.6 mL/kg), Va (96 +/- 21 mL/kg/min v 129 +/- 33 mL/kg/min), Paco2 (45.4 +/- 8.5 mm Hg v 35.6 +/- 4.7 mm Hg), esophageal pressure change (4.5 +/- 0.9 cm H2O v 6.0 +/- 1.8 cm H2O), delta Ve/delta Paco2 (20.2 +/- 10.6 mL/min/kg/mm Hg CO2 v 40.7 +/- 19.9 mL/min/kg/mm Hg CO2). There was a significant difference between infants with and without apnea for all measurements. The results indicate a decreased respiratory center output and a depressed ventilatory response to CO2 in infants with apnea. As there was no difference between the two groups in pulmonary mechanics or oxygenation, the findings support the hypothesis that a central disturbance in regulation of breathing is the cause of apnea in these infants.     

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation for preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To determine whether nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is more effective in preterm infants than nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in reducing the rate of extubation failure following mechanical ventilation, and reducing the frequency of apnoea of prematurity and subsequent need for endotracheal intubation. Methods: Randomized trials of NIPPV versus NCPAP were sought and their data extracted and analysed independently by the authors using the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration. The analysis used relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat (NNT) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The three studies identified, comparing NIPPV with NCPAP in the postextubation period, all used synchronized NIPPV (SNIPPV), which was more effective than NCPAP in preventing failure of extubation [RR 0.21 (0.10, 0.45), RD 30.32 (30.45, 30.20), NNT 3 (2, 5)]. Two studies compared NIPPV versus NCPAP for the treatment of apnoea of prematurity. Although meta-analysis was not possible one trial showed a reduction in apnoea frequency with NIPPV and the other a trend favouring NIPPV. Conclusion: SNIPPV is an effective method of augmenting the beneficial effects of NCPAP in preterm infants in the postextubation period. Further research is required to delineate the role of NIPPV in the management of apnoea of prematurity.     

早产儿呼吸暂停与间歇性缺氧

早产儿呼吸暂停（apnea of prematurity,AOP）定义一直是缺少充分的临床证据的,以呼吸停止时间≥20S,或〈20S伴有心动过缓、发绀为通常临床定义。目前还没有统一的AOP管理规范,但是反复发作的AOP,导致反复的间隙性缺氧（intermittent hypoxic episodes,IHE）是血氧波动的主要原因,同时,使早产儿发生严重早产儿视网膜病变和神经精神发育障碍的风险增加。当然,IHE的原因不仅局限于AOP,呼吸支持规程中,无论是持续气道正压通气,还是有创通气过程中都有发生IHE的可能。降低IHE是早产儿呼吸管理的核心内容之一,合理目标氧饱和度应是动态变化的,90％～95％的目标有助于减轻IHE和降低病死率,但有可能使早产儿视网膜病变增加。咖啡因是治疗AOP的首选药物,但是对混合型AOP廊注意呼吸支持。减少肺容积和气道阻力。     

Unpredictability of delivered bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure: role of bias flow magnitude and nares-prong air leaks

Nasal continuous-positive-airway-pressure (NCPAP) is popular for infant respiratory support. We compared delivered to intended intra-prong, proximal-airway, and distal-airway pressures using ventilator (V-NCPAP) and bubble (B-NCPAP) devices. Measurements were repeated at five flows (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 L/min) and three NCPAP (4, 6, and 8 cm H2O) under no, small, and large nares-prong interface leak conditions. With no-leak, delivered B-NCPAP was systematically greater than intended levels at all pressure sites. The corresponding V-NCPAP flow-dependence was none-to-minimal. Prong and intra-airway B-NCPAP overshoots were also observed with small-leak, while only prong B-NCPAP showed a flow-dependent overshoot for large-leak. Leaks did not affect intra-prong V-NCPAP but resulted in progressively lower than desired, flow-independent intra-airway V-NCPAP. We conclude that the self-adjusting capability of ventilators allows closely matched actual versus intended V-NCPAP. Alternatively, for the range of flows used clinically, intra-prong and intra-airway B-NCPAP are systematically higher at increasing flows than operator-intended levels, even when appreciable nares-prong leak is present. Additionally, the oscillations (noise) characterizing B-NCPAP are substantially attenuated between the proximal and distal airways; therefore, it is unlikely that B-NCPAP engenders ventilation or lung recruitment via this phenomenon. Tubing submersion depth for setting the level of B-NCPAP is highly inaccurate, and operators should instead rely on intra-prong pressure measurement.     

High-flow nasal cannula use for bronchiolitis treatment in French intensive care units: A transversal study

Over the past 10 years, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has revolutionized the prognosis and management of bronchiolitis patients hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is emerging as an alternative to CPAP. Despite encouraging results of several clinical and physiological studies, HFNC use remains controversial and its indications heterogeneous. To better define the place of HFNC in severe bronchiolitis respiratory support, we investigated the different ventilation assistance techniques used for severe bronchiolitis over 3 days at the peak of a bronchiolitis epidemic in December 2015. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study in 27 French university hospital PICUs. Fifty-nine patients were included. The results show that HFNC already accounts for nearly half of the respiratory support techniques used for severe bronchiolitis in French PICUs with no significant difference between the CPAP group and the HFNC group of patients.     

Randomized comparison of oxygen mask treatment vs. nasal continuous positive airway pressure in dengue shock syndrome with acute respiratory failure

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is caused by dengue virus. Patients with DHF grade 3-4, termed Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), may develop acute respiratory failure after initial fluid resuscitation. Previously, these patients were treated with oxygen on a nasal cannula, or if necessary with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the present prospective randomized study, we compared the effectiveness of oxygen treatment administered by a face mask vs. nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Morbidity, mortality, and supportive treatment was evaluated. Thirty-seven patients with DSS complicated by respiratory failure were enrolled. On admission and after 30 min of treatment, clinical and paraclinical data were obtained. Chest X-ray revealed pleural effusion in 92 per cent and showed interstitial oedema in 33 per cent. After 30 min of treatment the respiratory rate decreased significantly in the NCPAP group (p < 0.05), while SaO2 and PaO2 increased in both groups (p < 0.01). However, subsequently a significant difference of unresponsiveness to treatment between the oxygen mask group and the NCPAP group (13/19 vs. 4/18,p < 0.01) was noted. Complications of NCPAP or oxygen mask treatment were not documented. We conclude that NCPAP is useful in improving the management of acute respiratory failure in children with DHF/DSS in dengue-endemic areas.     

Respiratory support for children in the emergency department

Respiratory support in paediatric emergency settings ranges from oxygen delivery with subnasal oxygen to invasive mechanical ventilation. Recent data suggest that oxygen can cause reperfusion injuries and should be delivered with caution within well‐defined clinical target ranges. Most mild to moderate respiratory distress conditions with an oxygen requirement may benefit from early use of continuous positive airway pressure. High‐flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) is an emerging alternative way to support the inspiratory effort combined with oxygen delivery and positive expiratory pressures without the need of complicated equipment or good compliance from the child. Besides a positive pressure support effect, HFNC therapy reduces the physiological dead space with improved CO₂ clearance. A decrease in heart and respiratory rate within the first few hours after initiation of HFNC therapy is likely to identify responders of the treatment. The use of non‐invasive ventilation such as continuous positive airway pressure or the use of bi‐level positive airway pressure ventilation in emergency departments has increased, and it has been recognised that continuous positive airway pressure support for older children with asthma is particularly efficient.     

Low-dose doxapram therapy for idiopathic apnea of prematurity

BACKGROUND: Doxapram is contraindicated for newborn infants in Japan because of its serious side effects. However, because of encouraging results of recent studies regarding the efficacy and safety of therapy for apnea of prematurity (AOP) with lower doses of doxapram than those previously proposed, approximately 60% of Japanese neonatologists continue to use doxapram at small doses. Caution is warranted because the sample sizes of the former studies are inadequate to evaluate doxapram for both its beneficial and harmful effects. Therefore, we conducted the present study in order to investigate the efficacy and harmful events of low-dose doxapram therapy for idiopathic AOP in very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants in a larger population. METHODS: One hundred and six VLBW infants with idiopathic AOP were treated with doxapram at a dose of 0.2-1.0 mg/kg per h in combination with methylxanthines and the frequency of apnea and secondary outcomes were compared with a group of control infants. RESULTS: An approximate 80% reduction in the frequency of apnea was found with only minimal side effects following low-dose doxapram. Although there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between the doxapram-treated and control groups, mortality in doxapram-treated infants was significantly lower than that in control infants. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AOP unresponsive to treatment with methylxanthines may benefit from the addition of low-dose doxapram.