Abstract
Background: HFNC has been implemented in the last decade in children admitted to hospital. More data is needed on the feasibility of HFNC at home.
Objectives: Describe patient characteristics with HFNC at home, feasibility, and treatment safety.
Methods: Retrospective review (12 months) of children undergoing home HFNC therapy since the start of home availability at our center, January 2021.
Results: In 2021, home respiratory support was started in our hospital in 43 patients. HFNC was a therapeutic option in 10 cases, either continuously or at respiratory exacerbations. In 6 cases, ventilators with the option of alternating modes (HFNC and Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV)) were used (Vivo 3®/EOVE-150®); in the other 4 cases, a dedicated HFNC device was used (Airvo2®).
The median starting age was 12 months (from 4 to 63). Respiratory diagnoses included: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (2),tracheomalacia, repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia (1), bronchial extrinsic compression (1), and pulmonary disease in encephalopathy patients (5). The main comorbidities were dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux.
The implementation of home HFNC resulted in early discharge (4) or a reduction in hospital admission during the follow-up, due to the possibility of treating exacerbations at home (3). Follow-up of 7 patients at home was supported by the pediatric palliative care unit. No adverse event was described.
Conclusions: HFNC home therapy is useful, particularly in children with chronic lung diseases or neurological conditions; often an alternative in respiratory exacerbations, being less invasive and increasing comfort.
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 2428.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
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