Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for the treatment of status asthmaticus in children

[Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure. Clinical Practice Guidelines - on behalf of the German Society of Pneumology and Ventilatory Medicine]

The guideline update outlines the advantages as well as the limitations of NIV in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in daily clinical practice and in different indications.Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has a high value in therapy of hypercapnic acute respiratory failure, as it significantly reduces the length of ICU stay and hospitalization as well as mortality.Patients with cardiopulmonary edema and acute respiratory failure should be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oxygen in addition to necessary cardiological interventions. This should be done already prehospital and in the emergency department.In case of other forms of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure with only mild or moderately disturbed gas exchange (PaO2/FiO2 > 150 mmHg) there is no significant advantage or disadvantage compared to high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO). In severe forms of ARDS NIV is associated with high rates of treatment failure and mortality, especially in cases with NIV-failure and delayed intubation.NIV should be used for preoxygenation before intubation. In patients at risk, NIV is recommended to reduce extubation failure. In the weaning process from invasive ventilation NIV essentially reduces the risk of reintubation in hypercapnic patients. NIV is regarded useful within palliative care for reduction of dyspnea and improving quality of life, but here in concurrence to HFNO, which is regarded as more comfortable. Meanwhile NIV is also recommended in prehospital setting, especially in hypercapnic respiratory failure and pulmonary edema.With appropriate monitoring in an intensive care unit NIV can also be successfully applied in pediatric patients with acute respiratory insufficiency.

High-flow nasal cannula in children with asthma exacerbation: A review of current evidence

Asthma is the commonest obstructive airway disease and the leading cause of morbidity in children. In the pediatric population, acute exacerbations of asthma are a frequent cause of presentations and hospital admissions. An acute asthma exacerbation is potentially life-threatening; it is predominantly treated using conventional oxygen therapy with bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids. The treatment of those who do not respond to conventional therapy is escalated to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) before invasive ventilation. Although NIPPV has demonstrated benefits and safety, it still has limitations such as treatment intolerance caused mainly by discomfort and complications. High-flow oxygen therapy administered through a nasal cannula (HFNC) provides respiratory support with adequate airway humidity and has demonstrated safety and benefits in clinical practice. In the present review, we discuss HFNC and variations in HFNC use, focusing on its feasibility and current evidence of using it on children with asthma exacerbations.

Summary of recommendations and key points of the consensus of Spanish scientific societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the use of non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with severe acute respiratory failure

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Summary of Recommendations and Key Points of the Consensus of Spanish Scientific Societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the Use of Non-Invasive Ventilation and High-Flow Oxygen Therapy with Nasal Cannulas in Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Failure

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analog classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Summary of Recommendations and Key Points of the Consensus of Spanish Scientific Societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the Use of Non-Invasive Ventilation and High-Flow Oxygen Therapy with Nasal Cannulas in Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Failure

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Summary of recommendations and key points of the consensus of Spanish scientific societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the use of non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with severe acute respiratory failure

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Pediatric respiratory distress: California out-of-hospital protocols and evidence-based recommendations

OBJECTIVES

Prehospital protocols vary across local emergency medical service (EMS) agencies in California. We sought to develop evidence-based recommendations for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of pediatric respiratory distress, and we evaluated the protocols for pediatric respiratory distress used by the 33 California local EMS agencies.

METHODS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed through an extensive literature review of the current evidence regarding out-of-hospital treatment of pediatric patients with respiratory distress. The authors compared the pediatric respiratory distress protocols of each of the 33 California local EMS agencies with the evidence-based recommendations. Our focus was on the treatment of 3 main pediatric respiratory complaints by presentation: stridor (croup), wheezing < 24 months (bronchiolitis), and wheezing > 24 months (asthma).

RESULTS

Protocols across the 33 California local EMS agencies varied widely. Stridor (croup) had the highest protocol variability of the 3 presentations we evaluated, with no treatment having uniform use among all agencies. Only 3 (9.1%) of the local EMS agencies differentiated wheezing in children < 24 months of age, referencing this as possible bronchiolitis. All local EMS agencies included albuterol and epinephrine (intravenous/intramuscular) in their pediatric wheezing (asthma) treatment protocols. The least common treatments for wheezing (asthma) included nebulized epinephrine (3/33) and magnesium (2/33). No agencies included steroids in their treatment protocols (0/33).

CONCLUSION

Protocols for pediatric respiratory distress vary widely across the state of California, especially among those for stridor (croup) and wheezing in < 24 months (bronchiolitis). The evidence-based recommendations that we present for the prehospital treatment of these conditions may be useful for EMS medical directors tasked with creating and revising these protocols.

Trends in the Use of Noninvasive and Invasive Ventilation for Severe Asthma

OBJECTIVES

To explore and define contemporary trends in the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of children with asthma.

METHODS

We performed a serial cross-sectional analysis using data from the Pediatric Health Information System. We examined 2014-2018 admission abstracts from patients aged 2 to 17 years who were admitted to member hospitals with a primary diagnosis of asthma. We report temporal trends in IMV use, NIV use, ICU admission, length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 48 hospitals reported 95 204 admissions with a primary diagnosis of asthma. Overall, IMV use remained stable at 0.6% between 2014 and 2018 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.3%-1.1% and 0.2%-1.3%, respectively), whereas NIV use increased from 1.5% (IQR: 0.3%-3.2%) to 2.1% (IQR: 0.3%-5.6%). There was considerable practice variation among centers, with NIV rates more than doubling within the highest quartile of users (from 4.8% [IQR: 2.8%-7.5%] to 13.2% [IQR: 7.4%-15.2%]; P < .02). ICU admission was more common among centers with high NIV use, but centers with high NIV use did not differ from lower-use centers in mortality, IMV use, or overall average length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IMV is at historic lows, and NIV has replaced it as the primary mechanical support mode for asthma. However, there is considerable variability in NIV use. Increased NIV use was not associated with a change in IMV rates, which remained stable. Higher NIV use was associated with increased ICU admissions. NIV's precise contribution to the cost and quality of care remains to be determined.

Timing of Endotracheal Intubation in Patients with Fulminant Enterovirus 71 Infection

Background and objective: Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) infections may result in the rapid progression of cardiopulmonary failure. Early endotracheal intubation is considered to be of primary importance. However, the appropriate timing for this is still not known. The aim of this study is to investigate the timing of intubation of children with fulminant EV71 infection. Material and Methods: From March 1998 to May 2012, patients with severe EV71 infection who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of the National Cheng Kung University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into three groups in accordance with the outcome of intubation. We used rhombencephalitis grading to describe the neurological presentation of these patients. The study was approved by the institutional review board. Results: There were a total of 105 patients enrolled. Of these, 77 patients were in Grade I, and only three of them needed intubation, who were, however, soon extubated within 24 h. There were 10 patients in Grade II; nine of them needed intubation. In total, 18 patients belonged to Grade III, and all of them need to be intubated. We then compared the outcome of intubation of grades II and III. There was only one patient out of the nine patients in grade II who experienced failed extubation due to the progression of the disease. Among grade III patients, only four patients were successfully extubated. We also listed clinical parameters to determine which one could be a sign that indicated intubation. Comparing the favorable outcomes, cranial nerve involvement was a good indicator for the timing of intubation. Conclusions: This study showed that early intubation in Grade II provides favorable outcomes and improves morbidity and mortality. We also found that if cranial nerve involvement was present, then early intubation is indicated.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for treating acute asthmatic attacks in three pregnant women with dyspnea and hypoxemia

In our case reports, we mentioned about the utility of NPPV therapy in addition to standard pharmacologic therapy for acute asthma exacerbations in pregnant women with dyspnea and hypoxemia compared with that of oxygen therapy alone. Careful patient selection and clinicians' NPPV experience are crucial in optimizing patient outcomes.

Positive Expiratory Pressure for the Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbations: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of brief, single administration of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy in reducing clinical severity and need for additional second-line therapies and hospitalization in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute asthma.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial of children 2-18 years of age presenting to a tertiary-care academic pediatric ED with moderate-to-severe asthma exacerbations from December 2014 to June 2016. Children who continued to have moderate asthma severity after completion of initial therapies (albuterol/ipratropium bromide and corticosteroids) were randomized to receive PEP therapy or standard of care. The primary outcome was change in pulmonary asthma score before and after intervention, as assessed by a blinded physician. Secondary outcomes included need for additional therapies, ED length of stay, and disposition.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were randomized to receive either PEP (n?=?26) or standard therapy (n?=?26). Study groups were similar in demographics and baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference in primary outcome between groups with a mean change in Pulmonary Asthma Score of 0.92 (±1.2) in the PEP group and 0.40 (±1.2) in the standard group (P?=?.12). There also was no significant difference in need for additional therapies, ED length of stay, and disposition. Mild, self-resolving side effects were observed in 3 subjects receiving PEP therapy.

CONCLUSION

Single, brief, administration of PEP therapy after completion of first-line therapies does not improve clinical severity in children presenting to the ED with acute asthma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02494076.

Nasal high flow in management of children with status asthmaticus: a retrospective observational study

Background

Asthma is the most common obstructive airway disease in children and adults. Nasal high flow (NHF) is a recent device that is now used as a primary support for respiratory distress. Several studies have reported use of NHF as a respiratory support in status asthmaticus; however, there are no data to recommend such practice. We therefore conducted this preliminary study to evaluate NHF therapy for children with status asthmaticus admitted to our PICU in order to prepare a multicentre randomized controlled study.

Results

Between November 2009 and January 2014, 73 patients with status asthmaticus were admitted to the PICU, of whom 39 (53%) were treated with NHF and among these 10 (26%) presented severe acidosis at admission (pH < 7.30). Thirty-four less severe children (41%) were treated with standard oxygen. For one child (2.6%) NHF failed and was then switched to non-invasive ventilation. NHF was discontinued in another patient because of the occurrence of pneumothorax after 31 h with NHF; the patient was then switched to standard oxygen therapy. Mean ± SD heart rate (165 ± 21 vs. 141 ± 25/min, p < 0.01) and respiratory rate (40 ± 13 vs. 31 ± 8/min, p < 0.01) decreased significantly, and blood gas improved in the first 24 h. In the subgroup of patients with acidosis, median [IQR] pH increased significantly between hour 0 and 2 (7.25 [7.21–7.26] vs. 7.30 [7.27–7.33], p = 0.009) and median [IQR] pCO₂ decreased significantly (7.27 kPa [6.84–7.91 vs. 5.85 kPa [5.56–6.11], p = 0.007). No patient was intubated.

Conclusion

This retrospective study showed the feasibility and safety of NHF in children with severe asthma. Blood gas and clinical parameters were significantly improved during the first 24 h. NHF failed in only two patients, and none required invasive ventilation.

High-flow nasal cannula therapy versus non-invasive ventilation in children with severe acute asthma exacerbation: An observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The present study describes our experience with the high-flow humidified nasal cannula (HFNC) versus non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in children with severe acute asthma exacerbation (SA).

METHODS

An observational study of a retrospective cohort of 42 children with SA admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for non-invasive respiratory support was made. The primary outcome measure was failure of initial respiratory support (need to escalate from HFNC to NIV or from NIV to invasive ventilation). Secondary outcome measures were the duration of respiratory support and PICU length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Forty-two children met the inclusion criteria. Twenty (47.6%) received HFNC and 22 (52.3%) NIV as initial respiratory support. There were no treatment failures in the NIV group. However, 8 children (40%) in the HFNC group required escalation to NIV. The PICU LOS was similar in both the NIV and HFNC groups. However, on considering the HFNC failure subgroup, the median length of respiratory support was 3-fold longer (63h) and the PICU LOS was also longer compared with the rest of subjects exhibiting treatment success.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its obvious limitations, this observational study could suggest that HFNC in some subjects with SA may delay NIV support and potentially cause longer respiratory support, and longer PICU LOS.

Paediatric ED BiPAP continuous quality improvement programme with patient analysis: 2005-2013

OBJECTIVE

In paediatric moderate-to-severe asthmatics, there is significant bronchospasm, airway obstruction, air trapping causing severe hyperinflation with more positive intraplural pressure preventing passive air movement. These effects cause an increased respiratory rate (RR), less airflow and shortened inspiratory breath time. In certain asthmatics, aerosols are ineffective due to their inadequate ventilation. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in acute paediatric asthmatics can be an effective treatment. BiPAP works by unloading fatigued inspiratory muscles, a direct bronchodilation effect, offsetting intrinsic PEEP and recruiting collapsed alveoli that reduces the patient's work of breathing and achieves their total lung capacity quicker. Unfortunately, paediatric emergency department (PED) BiPAP is underused and quality analysis is non-existent. A PED BiPAP Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) from 2005 to 2013 was evaluated using descriptive analytics for the primary outcomes of usage, safety, BiPAP settings, therapeutics and patient disposition.

INTERVENTIONS

PED BiPAP CQIP descriptive analytics.

SETTING

Academic PED.

PARTICIPANTS

1157 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

A PED BiPAP CQIP from 2005 to 2013 for the usage, safety, BiPAP settings, therapeutic response parameters and patient disposition was evaluated using descriptive analytics.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Safety, usage, compliance, therapeutic response parameters, BiPAP settings and patient disposition.

RESULTS

1157 patients had excellent compliance without complications. Only 6 (0.5%) BiPAP patients were intubated. BiPAP median settings: IPAP 18 (16,20) cm H₂O range 12-28; EPAP 8 cmH₂O (8,8) range 6-10; inspiratory-to-expiratory time (I:E) ratio 1.75 (1.5,1.75). Pediatric Asthma Severity score and RR decreased (p<0.001) while tidal volume increased (p<0.001). Patient disposition: 325 paediatric intensive care units (PICU), 832 wards, with 52 of these PED ward patients were discharged home with only 2 hours of PED BiPAP with no returning to the PED within 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

BiPAP is a safe and effective therapeutic option for paediatric patients with asthma presenting to a PED or emergency department. This BiPAP CQIP showed significant patient compliance, no complications, improved therapeutics times, very low intubations and decreased PICU admissions. CQIP analysis demonstrated that using a higher IPAP, low EPAP with longer I:E optimises the patient's BiPAP settings and showed a significant improvement in PAS, RR and tidal volume. BiPAP should be considered as an early treatment in the PED severe or non-responsive moderate asthmatics.

Noninvasive ventilation in status asthmaticus in children: levels of evidence

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of available evidence to establish guidelines for the use of noninvasive ventilation for the management of status asthmaticus in children unresponsive to standard treatment.

METHODS

Search, selection and analysis of all original articles on asthma and noninvasive ventilation in children, published until September 1, 2014 in all languages in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and SciELO, located using the search terms: "asthma", "status asthmaticus", "noninvasive ventilation", "Bronchospasm", "continuous positive airway pressure", "child", "infant", "pediatrics", "hypercapnia", "respiratory failure" and the keywords "BIPAP", "CPAP", "Bilevel", "acute asthma" and "near fatal asthma". The articles were assessed based on the levels of evidence of the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Only nine original articles were located; two (22%) articles had level of evidence A, one (11%) had level of evidence B and six (67%) had level of evidence C.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that noninvasive ventilation is applicable for the treatment of status asthmaticus in most pediatric patients unresponsive to standard treatment. However, the available evidence cannot be considered as conclusive, as further high-quality research is likely to have an impact on and change the estimate of the effect.

Evaluation and treatment of critical asthma syndrome in children

The heterogeneity of asthma is illustrated by the significantly different features of pediatric asthma compared to adult asthma. One phenotype of severe asthma in pediatrics includes atopy, lack of reduction in lung function, and absence of gender bias as the main characteristics. Included in the NIH NAEPP EPR-3 are recommendations for the treatment and management of severe pediatric asthma and critical asthma syndrome, such as continuous nebulization treatments, intubation and mechanical ventilation, heliox, and magnesium sulfate. In addition, epinephrine, intravenous immunoglobulin, intravenous montelukast, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and many biological modulators currently under investigation are additional current and/or future treatment modalities for the severe pediatric asthmatic. But, perhaps the most important strategy for managing the severe asthmatic is preventative treatment, which can significantly decrease impairment and risk, particularly for severe acute exacerbations requiring emergency care and/or hospitalization. In order for preventative therapy to be successful, several challenges must be met, including selecting the correct therapy for each patient and then ensuring compliance or adherence to a treatment plan. The heterogeneity of asthma renders the former difficult in that not all patients will respond equally to the same treatment; the latter is only helpful if the correct treatment is employed. Strategies to ensure compliance include education of caregivers and patients and their families. As newer medications are introduced, options for individualized or customized medicine increase, and this may pave the way for significant decreases in morbidity and mortality in severe pediatric asthma.

Noninvasive ventilation in pediatric emergency care: a literature review and description of our experience

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) refers to a kind of mechanical respiratory support used in order to avoid the progression of respiratory failure to endotracheal intubation. Even though if this method is widely known in patients affected by chronic diseases and in children admitted in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, few data are actually available on its use in intermediate care units. The present review focuses on the efficiency of NIV performed in children with acute respiratory failure due to different conditions. Moreover, the authors have described their experience with NIV in pediatric patients admitted to their acute and emergency room where NIV was started, well tolerated and led to an improvement of gas exchanges, decreasing the muscular respiratory work and endotracheal intubation avoidance in most of the patients.

A review of the use of adjunctive therapies in severe acute asthma exacerbation in critically ill children

Asthma is a common and potentially life threatening childhood condition. Asthma involves not only chronic airway remodeling, but may also include frequent exacerbations resulting from bronchospasm, edema, and mucus production. In children with severe exacerbations, standard therapy with β2-agonists, anti-cholinergic agents, oxygen, and systemic steroids may fail to reverse the severe airflow obstruction and necessitate use of adjunctive therapies. These therapies include intravenous or inhaled magnesium, inhaled helium-oxygen mixtures, intravenous methylxanthines, intravenous β2-agonists, and intravenous ketamine. Rarely, these measures are not successful and following the initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation, inhaled anesthetics or extracorporeal life support may be required. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and evidence for adjunctive therapies in the setting of severe acute asthma exacerbations in children.

Early administration of terbutaline in severe pediatric asthma may reduce incidence of acute respiratory failure

BACKGROUND

Severe pediatric asthma, if not immediately and aggressively treated, may progress to acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Intravenous (IV) terbutaline, a β2 agonist, is dispensed when the initial treatment does not improve the clinical condition.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of early initiation of IV terbutaline on the incidence of acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in severe pediatric asthma.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 120 subjects (35 patients from an outside hospital emergency department [ED] with late start of terbutaline and 85 patients from the authors' hospital ED with early initiation of IV terbutaline) admitted to the PICU with severe asthma treated with continuous IV terbutaline. Responses to terbutaline treatment and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients transported from outlying hospital EDs had shorter pre-PICU mean durations of IV terbutaline than those transferred from the authors' ED (0.69 ± 1.38 and 2.91 ± 2.47 hours, respectively, P = .001). Twenty-one of 35 patients (60%) from outlying EDs required mechanical ventilation compared with 14 of 85 patients (16%) from the authors' ED (P = .001). Durations of pre-PICU terbutaline infusion for patients requiring mechanical ventilation were significantly shorter than those with no such requirement (P = .015).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study, conducted in the largest number of subjects to date, suggest that early administration of continuous terbutaline in the ED may decrease acute respiratory failure and the need for mechanical respiratory (invasive and noninvasive) support in severe pediatric asthma.

Childhood asthma: a guide for pediatric emergency medicine providers

Pediatric asthma is a disease that is managed across outpatient physicians, hospitalists, critical care physicians, and emergency department (ED) physicians. Scoring systems may facilitate a rapid assessment of the child with asthma in the ED. Short-acting beta agonists are still the mainstay of therapy for acute exacerbations along with corticosteroids and ipratropium bromide. ED providers must also know the indications for noninvasive ventilation and intubation. Most patients can be treated and discharged from the ED after acute exacerbation, and should be given a plan for going home that provides educational material and emergency scenarios to help prevent future acute incidents.

Asthma update

Asthma continues to be one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits and a leading cause of hospitalization. Acute management involves severity-based treatment of bronchoconstriction and underlying airway inflammation. Optimal treatment has been defined and standardized through randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and consensus guidelines. Implementation of clinical practice guidelines may improve clinical, quality, and safety outcomes. Asthma morbidity is disproportionately high in poor, urban, and minority children. Children treated in emergency departments commonly have persistent chronic severity, significant morbidity, and infrequent follow-up and primary asthma care, and prescription of inhaled corticosteroids is appropriate.

Severe acute asthma exacerbation in children: a stepwise approach for escalating therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

An increasing prevalence of pediatric asthma has led to increasing burdens of critical illness in children with severe acute asthma exacerbations, often leading to respiratory distress, progressive hypoxia, and respiratory failure. We review the definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of severe acute asthma, with a view to developing an evidence-based, stepwise approach for escalating therapy in these patients.

METHODS

Subject headings related to asthma, status asthmaticus, critical asthma, and drug therapy were used in a MEDLINE search (1980-2012), supplemented by a manual search of personal files, references cited in the reviewed articles, and treatment algorithms developed within Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

Patients with asthma require continuous monitoring of their cardiorespiratory status via noninvasive or invasive devices, with serial clinical examinations, objective scoring of asthma severity (using an objective pediatric asthma score), and appropriate diagnostic tests. All patients are treated with β-agonists, ipratropium, and steroids (intravenous preferable over oral preparations). Patients with worsening clinical status should be progressively treated with continuous β-agonists, intravenous magnesium, helium-oxygen mixtures, intravenous terbutaline and/or aminophylline, coupled with high-flow oxygen and non-invasive ventilation to limit the work of breathing, hypoxemia, and possibly hypercarbia. Sedation with low-dose ketamine (with or without benzodiazepines) infusions may allow better toleration of non-invasive ventilation and may also prepare the patient for tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, if indicated by a worsening clinical status.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe asthma can be a devastating illness in children, but most patients can be managed by using serial objective assessments and the stepwise clinical approach outlined herein. Following multidisciplinary education and training, this approach was successfully implemented in a tertiary-care, metropolitan children's hospital.

Advances in monitoring and management of pediatric acute lung injury

This article focuses on the respiratory management and monitoring of pediatric acute lung injury (ALI) as a specific cause for respiratory failure. Definitive, randomized, controlled trials in pediatrics to guide optimal ventilatory management are few. The only adjunct therapy that has been proved to improve clinical outcome is low tidal volume ventilation, but only in adult patients. Careful monitoring of the patient's respiratory status with airway graphic analysis and capnography can be helpful. Definitive data are needed in the pediatric population to assist in the care of infants, children, and adolescents with ALI to improve survival and functional outcome.

Efficacy and predictors of success of noninvasive ventilation for prevention of extubation failure in critically ill children with heart disease

The study aimed primarily to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and to identify possible predictors for success of NIV therapy in preventing extubation failure in critically ill children with heart disease. The secondary objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of prophylactic NIV therapy initiated immediately after tracheal extubation and to determine the characteristics, outcomes, and complications associated with NIV therapy in pediatric cardiac patients. A retrospective review examined the medical records of all children between the ages 1 day and 18 years who sustained acute respiratory failure (ARF) that required NIV in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital between January 2008 and June 2010. Patients were assigned to a prophylactic group if NIV was started directly after extubation and to a nonprophylactic group if NIV was started after signs and symptoms of ARF developed. Patients were designated as responders if they received NIV and did not require reintubation during their CVICU stay and nonresponders if they failed NIV and reintubation was performed. The data collected included demographic data, preexisting conditions, pre-event characteristics, event characteristics, and outcome data. The outcome data evaluated included success or failure of NIV, duration of NIV, CVICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and hospital mortality. The two complications of NIV assessed in the study included nasal bridge or forehead skin necrosis and pneumothorax. The 221 eligible events during the study period involved 172 responders (77.8 %) and 49 nonresponders (22.2 %). A total of 201 events experienced by the study cohort received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), with 156 responders (78 %), whereas 20 events received bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), with 16 responders (80 %). In the study, 58 events (26.3 %) were assigned to the prophylactic group and 163 events (73.7 %) to the nonprophylactic group. Compared with the nonprophylactic group, the prophylactic group experienced significantly shorter CVICU LOS (median, 49 vs 88 days; p = 0.03) and hospital LOS (median, 60 vs 103 days; p = 0.05). The CVICU LOS and hospital LOS did not differ significantly between the responders (p = 0.56) and nonresponders (p = 0.88). Significant variables identifying a responder included a lower risk-adjusted classification for congenital heart surgery (RACHS-1) score (1-3), a good left ventricular ejection fraction, a normal respiratory rate (RR), normal or appropriate oxygen saturation, prophylactic or therapeutic glucocorticoid therapy within 24 h of NIV initiation, presence of atelectasis, fewer than two organ system dysfunctions, fewer days of intubation before extubation, no clinical or microbiologic evidence of sepsis, and no history of reactive airway disease. As a well-tolerated therapy, NIV can be safely and successfully applied in critically ill children with cardiac disease to prevent extubation failure. The independent predictors of NIV success include lower RACHS-1 classification, presence of atelectasis, steroid therapy received within 24 h after NIV, and normal heart rate and oxygen saturations demonstrated within 24 h after initiation of NIV.

Acute respiratory failure

Acute respiratory failure is common in critically ill children, who are at increased risk of respiratory embarrassment because of the developmental variations in the respiratory system. Although multiple etiologies exist, pneumonia and bronchiolitis are most common. Respiratory system monitoring has evolved, with the clinical examination remaining paramount. Invasive tests are commonly replaced with noninvasive monitors. Children with ALI/ARDS have better overall outcomes than adults, although data regarding specific therapies are still lacking. Most children will have some degree of long-term physiologic respiratory compromise after recovery from ALI/ARDS. The physiologic basis for respiratory failure and its therapeutic options are reviewed here.

Pediatric status asthmaticus

Status asthmaticus is a frequent cause of admission to a pediatric intensive care unit. Prompt assessment and aggressive treatment are critical. First-line or conventional treatment includes supplemental oxygen, aerosolized albuterol, and corticosteroids. There are several second-line treatments available; however, few comparative studies have been performed and in the absence of good evidence-based treatments, the use of these therapies is highly variable and dependent on local practice and provider preference. In this article the pathophysiology and treatment of status asthmaticus is discussed, and the literature regarding second-line treatments is critically assessed to apply an evidence basis to the treatment of this severe disease.

Common pediatric respiratory emergencies

Pediatric respiratory illnesses are a huge burden to emergency departments worldwide. This article reviews the latest evidence in the epidemiology, assessment, management, and disposition of children presenting to the emergency department with asthma, croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Management of severe asthma exacerbation in children

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a common disease in children and acute severe asthma exacerbation can be life-threatening. This article aims to review recent advances in understanding of risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma exacerbation in children.

DATA SOURCES

Articles concerning severe asthma exacerbation in children were retrieved from PubMed. Literatures were searched with MeSH words "asthma", "children", "severe asthma exacerbation" and relevant cross references.

RESULTS

Severe asthma exacerbation in children requires aggressive treatments with β2-agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids. Early initiation of inhaled β-agonists and systemic use of steroids are recommended. Other agents such as magnesium and aminophylline have some therapeutic benefits. When intubation and mechanical ventilation are needed, low tidal volume, controlled hypoventilation with lower-than-traditional respiratory rates and permissive hypercapnia can be applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers should continue to detect the risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma exacerbation in children. More studies especially randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard and new therapies.

Non-invasive ventilation in pediatric status asthmaticus: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to be effective in different causes of respiratory failure in both adult and pediatric patients. However, its role in status asthmaticus (SA) remains unclear. We designed a prospective study to assess the feasibility of NIV in children with SA.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study, over a 4.5-year period.

PATIENT SELECTION

Children with SA unresponsive to conventional therapy with a modified Wood's clinical asthma score (m-WCAS) ≥4 and marked increased work of breathing, were included.

METHODOLOGY

Patients were placed on pressure support NIV. During NIV therapy, salbutamol was nebulized continuously and ipratropium bromide every 2 hr; methyl-prednisolone was given at a dose of 1-2 mg/kg/6 hr. Clinical variables were measured at baseline and at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 122 PICU admissions due to SA; 72 episodes fulfilled inclusion criteria. Baseline mean values were as follows: m-WCAS of 5.7 points, heart rate (HR) of 166.7 beats/min, respiratory rate (RR) of 49.5 breaths/min and FiO(2) of 45.3%. In the first hour m-WCAS fell 2.3 ± 1.5 points, HR 13.5 ± 14 beats/min, and RR 9.8 ± 10 breaths/min (P < 0.01). After institution of NIV therapy, 5 children required intubation due to increasing respiratory distress. There was one case of massive subcutaneous emphysema, with no other serious adverse effects associated with NIV.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that NIV is a feasible therapy in children with SA unresponsive to conventional treatment. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:949-955. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

U.S. attitudes and perceived practice for noninvasive ventilation in pediatric acute respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

Few pediatric studies exist regarding the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for acute respiratory failure; however, those that do suggest a role. This study seeks to describe attitudes and perceived practices of pediatric intensivists regarding the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in children with acute respiratory failure.

DESIGN

Electronic survey.

SETTING

Medical institutions.

PARTICIPANTS

Of the 932 physicians approached, 353 (38%) responded to the survey. Respondents included U.S. physicians practicing pediatric critical care (90%), pediatric anesthesia critical care (4%), pediatric pulmonary critical care (4%), and other disciplines (2%).

INTERVENTIONS

Survey.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The survey contained questions regarding 1) practitioner demographics, 2) patient characteristics, and 3) clinical cases designed to assess noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation use in certain patient scenarios. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation was used by 99% of the respondents, with 60% using noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as initial support >10% of the time. Respondents reported use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for acute respiratory failure in lower airway disease (70%), asthma (51%), acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (43%), and upper airway obstruction (31%). In clinical scenarios, respondents reported that the factors associated with nonuse of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as initial support were disease process (31%), oxygenation (19%), ventilation severity (15%), expectation that the patient was likely to worsen (12%), and age or inability to cooperate (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation is widely used and most frequently utilized in patients with acute lower airway disease. Factors such as severe defects in oxygenation and ventilation, disease progression, and patient tolerability decreased the likelihood of use. These findings may help direct further studies of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in children with acute respiratory failure.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute respiratory failure in children: a concise review

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) refers to the delivery of mechanical respiratory support without the use of endotracheal intubation (ETI). The present review focused on the effectiveness of NPPV in children > 1 month of age with acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to different conditions. ARF is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment of pediatric patients with pending respiratory failure can be lifesaving. Mechanical respiratory support is a critical intervention in many cases of ARF. In recent years, NPPV has been proposed as a valuable alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in this acute setting. Recent physiological studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of NPPV in children with ARF. Several pediatric clinical studies, the majority of which were noncontrolled or case series and of small size, have suggested the effectiveness of NPPV in the treatment of ARF due to acute airway (upper or lower) obstruction or certain primary parenchymal lung disease, and in specific circumstances, such as postoperative or postextubation ARF, immunocompromised patients with ARF, or as a means to facilitate extubation. NPPV was well tolerated with rare major complications and was associated with improved gas exchange, decreased work of breathing, and ETI avoidance in 22-100% of patients. High FiO₂ needs or high PaCO₂ level on admission or within the first hours after starting NPPV appeared to be the best independent predictive factors for the NPPV failure in children with ARF. However, many important issues, such as the identification of the patient, the right time for NPPV application, and the appropriate setting, are still lacking. Further randomized, controlled trials that address these issues in children with ARF are recommended.

Safety and clinical findings of BiPAP utilization in children 20 kg or less for asthma exacerbations

PURPOSE

To investigate safety and clinical findings of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) utilization in children 20 kg or less for asthma exacerbations.

METHODS

Retrospective and prospective descriptive analysis of 165 enrolled subjects with moderate and severe asthma exacerbations who weighed 20 kg or less and who received BiPAP treatment at a large, urban children's hospital pediatric emergency department (PED).

RESULTS

Age was 0.6-8.27 years (mean 3.7 years, SD 1.6 years). None exhibited worsening hypoxia, pneumothorax, or death. Four progressed to intubation after significant period on BiPAP. Overall, BiPAP subjects showed improvement in pediatric asthma score (PAS). BiPAP initiation PAS range was 8-15 (mean 12.1, SD 1.6); BiPAP termination or 4 h PAS mean was 6.3 (SD 2.2); delta PAS showed improvement mean 5.8 (SD 2.4). Seventy-one had trial off BiPAP in PED for clinical improvement; seven were restarted. PED BiPAP duration range was 30-720 min (mean 210 min, SD 158 min); total hospitalization BiPAP duration was 1-90 h. Ninety-nine (60%) subjects were admitted to the PICU and continued BiPAP for 0-47 h (mean 6.6 h, SD 8.6 h). Fifty-seven (35%) required ward admission; none were transferred to PICU. Nine (5%) were discharged home from the PED; none returned within 72 h.

CONCLUSIONS

BiPAP utilization in acute pediatric asthma exacerbations for patients 20 kg or less is safe and may improve clinical outcomes. These findings warrant future prospective investigation of BiPAP efficacy in pediatric asthma patients.

Noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in children – a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the role of noninvasive ventilation in the treatment of children with acute respiratory failure. Methods: A systematic review of literature on noninvasive ventilation in MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, besides references in articles. The outcomes evaluated were responses in blood oxygenation and ventilation, and patient survival. Results: A total of 120 studies on noninvasive ventilation were found as of May, 2010. Of these, only 19 were about noninvasive ventilation in children. On the other hand, there are prospective and cohort clinical trials leading to a level II quality of evidence concerning the use of noninvasive ventilation in children. Conclusion: There is scientific evidence for proposing the use of noninvasive ventilation, with a B-II degree of recommendation.

Management of status asthmaticus in children

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. Acute exacerbations of asthma can be life-threatening; annual worldwide estimated mortality is 250,000 and most of these deaths are preventable. While most of the acute exacerbations can be managed successfully in the emergency room, few children have severe exacerbations requiring intensive care. Mainstay of treatment for status asthmaticus are inhaled β2 agonist and anticholinergic agents, oxygen along with corticosteroids. Children who do not respond well to initial treatment require parenteral β2 agonist and magnesium. Rarely, sick children need parenteral aminophylline infusion and mechanical ventilation. Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, ventilator management and supportive care for status asthmaticus in children are discussed in the protocol.

Trends in admissions for pediatric status asthmaticus in New Jersey over a 15-year period

OBJECTIVE

Status asthmaticus accounts for a large portion of the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma, but we know little about its epidemiology. We describe here the hospitalization characteristics of children with status asthmaticus, how they changed over time, and how they differed between hospitals with and without PICUs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used administrative data from New Jersey that included all hospitalizations in the state from 1992, 1995, and 1999-2006. We identified children with status asthmaticus by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis codes that indicate status asthmaticus and the use of mechanical ventilation by using procedure codes. We designated hospitals with a PICU as "PICU hospitals" and those without as "adult hospitals."

RESULTS

We identified 28 309 admissions of children with status asthmaticus (22.8% of all asthma hospitalizations). From 1992 to 2006, the rate of hospital admissions decreased by half (from 1.98 in 1000 to 0.93 in 1000 children), and there was a 70% decrease in the number of children admitted to adult hospitals. The rate of ICU care in PICU hospitals more than tripled. However, the rate of mechanical ventilation remained low, and the number of deaths was small and unchanged (n=14 total). Hospital costs climbed from $6.6 million to $9.5 million.

CONCLUSIONS

Although fewer children are being admitted with status asthmaticus, the proportion of patients managed in PICUs is climbing. There has been no substantial change in rates of mechanical ventilation or death. Additional research is needed to better understand how patients and physicians decide on the appropriate site for hospital care and how that choice affects outcome.

Hypoventilation syndromes

A wide variety of mechanisms can lead to the hypoventilation associated with various medical disorders, including derangements in central ventilatory control, mechanical impediments to breathing, and abnormalities in gas exchange leading to increased dead space ventilation. The pathogenesis of hypercapnia in obesity hypoventilation syndrome remains somewhat obscure, although in many patients comorbid obstructive sleep apnea appears to play an important role. Hypoventilation in neurologic or neuromuscular disorders is primarily explained by weakness of respiratory muscles, although some central nervous system diseases may affect control of breathing. In other chest wall disorders, obstructive airways disease, and cystic fibrosis, much of the pathogenesis is explained by mechanical impediments to breathing, but an element of increased dead space ventilation also often occurs. Central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome involves a genetically determined defect in central respiratory control. Treatment in all of these disorders involves coordinated management of the primary disorder (when possible) and, increasingly, the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Outcome of children with life-threatening asthma necessitating pediatric intensive care

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome of children with life-threatening asthma (LTA) admitted to a university Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

METHODS

Retrospective study between October 2002 and May 2010 was carried out. Every child with LTA and bronchospasm was included.

RESULTS

30 admissions of 28 patients (13 M, 17 F) were identified which accounted for 3% of total PICU admissions (n = 1033) over the study period. The majority of patients were toddlers (median age 3.1 years). Few had past history of prematurity, lung diseases, or neuro-developmental conditions. Approximately half had previous admissions for asthma and one-forth with history of non-compliance to recommended treatment for asthma. One patient had parainfluenza virus and one had rhinovirus isolated. None of these factors were associated with need for mechanical ventilation (n = 6 admissions). Comparing with patients who did not receive mechanical ventilation, ventilated children had significantly higher PIM2 score (1.65 versus 0.4, p < 0.001), higher PCO2 levels (9.3 kPa versus 5.1 kPa, p = 0.01) and longer PICU stay (median 2.5 days versus 2 days, p = 0.03) The majority of patients received systemic corticosteroids, intravenous or inhaled bronchodilators. There was one pneumothorax but no death in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

LTA accounted for a small percentage of PICU admissions. Previous hospital admissions for asthma and history of non-compliance were common. Approximately one quarters required ventilatory supports. Regardless of the need for mechanical ventilation, all patients survived with prompt treatment.

Emergency presentation and management of acute severe asthma in children

Acute severe asthma is one of the most common medical emergency situations in childhood, and physicians caring for acutely ill children are regularly faced with this condition. In this article we present a summary of the pathophysiology as well as guidelines for the treatment of acute severe asthma in children. The cornerstones of the management of acute asthma in children are rapid administration of oxygen, inhalations with bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids. Inhaled bronchodilators may include selective b2-agonists, adrenaline and anticholinergics. Additional treatment in selected cases may involve intravenous administration of theophylline, b2-agonists and magnesium sulphate. Both non-invasive and invasive ventilation may be options when medical treatment fails to prevent respiratory failure. It is important that relevant treatment algorithms exist, applicable to all levels of the treatment chain and reflecting local considerations and circumstances.

Advances in treating acute asthma exacerbations in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Asthma continues to be a major chronic disease in children, and acute asthma exacerbations are common. Although the basic therapy of asthma exacerbations has not changed, recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes with different modes of delivery of medications, improved patients' self-management of their asthma, and recognition of risk factors for severe exacerbations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies in children have shown that written action plans based on symptom recognition are more effective than action plans based on peak expiratory flows. Bronchodilator administration by metered-dose inhaler is becoming the preferred therapy for treating mild-to-moderate asthma exacerbations in the emergency department, but nebulizers may still have a role in home and inpatient asthma management. High-dose inhaled corticosteroids may be as effective as oral corticosteroids for acute asthma exacerbations. A novel treatment strategy has titrated combination therapy with budesonide and formoterol for both maintenance and relief of symptoms. Lastly, the contributions of obesity and genetic variation to severe asthma exacerbations are becoming known, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation has become an option for patients in severe asthma exacerbations.

SUMMARY

Improvements in management strategies can significantly improve outcomes in children with asthma.

Predictive factors of non invasive ventilation failure in critically ill children: a prospective epidemiological study

OBJECTIVE

Identification of predictive factors for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure and determination of NIV characteristics.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in a University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

A total of 116 episodes were included. Clinical data collected were respiratory rate (RR), heart rate and FiO(2) before NIV began. Same data and expiratory and support pressures were collected at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Conditions precipitating acute respiratory failure (ARF) were classified into two groups: type 1 (38 episodes) and type 2 (78 episodes). Ventilation-perfusion impairment was the main respiratory failure mechanism in type 1, and hypoventilation in type 2. Factors predicting NIV failure were determined by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Most common admission diagnoses were pneumonia (81.6%) in type 1 and bronchiolitis (39.7%) and asthma (42.3%) in type 2. Complications secondary to NIV were detected in 23 episodes (20.2%). NIV success rate was 84.5% (68.4% in type 1 and 92.3% in type 2). Type 1 patients showed a higher risk of NIV failure compared to type 2 (OR 11.108; CI 95%, 2.578-47.863). A higher PRISM score (OR 1.138; CI 95%, 1.022-1.267), and a lower RR decrease at 1 h and at 6 h (OR 0.926; CI 95%, 0.860-0.997 and OR 0.911; CI 95%, 0.837-0.991, respectively) were also independently associated with NIV failure.

CONCLUSIONS

NIV is a useful respiratory support technique in paediatric patients. Type 1 group classification, higher PRISM score, and lower RR decrease during NIV were independent risk factors for NIV failure.