Abstract
Bronchiolitis arises questions in daily medical practice as limited support treatment is only available and it can be a frequent cause for PICU(Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)transfers.We aimed to test the hypothesis that HFNC heated and humidified O2 at 2lt/kg/min may reduce PICU transfers as compared with standard treatment(low flow O2 up to 2lt/min).To test this hypothesis we administer HFNC(Group 1)in a randomized way versus standard treatment(Group 2)to all infants(0-23 months old)admitted to PED/PW with bronchiolitis,who need O2 considering increased work of breathing and decreased O2 Saturation<92%.A severity assessment respiratory distress score,a detailed medical history and an O2 administration rapport are obtained.Patients who suffer severe respiratory distress and those who fail to stabilise with standard treatment,are rescued by HFNC.During the first 4-month period of the study(28/9/2014-12/2/2015),4 patients from Group 2 were rescued by HFNC.There was only a 2-month-old premature baby of a twin gestation,from Group 1 transferred to PICU from PED due to RSV bronchiolitis.During the same period of the last year,when no HFNC was available,there were 12 PICU transfers due to respiratory distress:9/12 from the PW due to bronchiolitis.The use of HFNC in the PED/PW decreased PICU transfers due to bronchiolitis.It has been easily integrated in the daily medical practice thus providing self confidence to doctors, nurses and parents.No adverse events were recorded.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
