Non-invasive respiratory support modality has gained popularity in newborns, children, as well as adults. It has been observed in many pediatric intensive care units that the incidence of use of invasive mechanical ventilation for bronchiolitis or pneumonia is significantly reduced if non-invasive respiratory support is instituted early. Randomized control trials of HHFNC (humidified high-flow nasal cannula) in pediatric intensive care unit versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) are scant. In the past decade, the use of non-invasive respiratory support therapy has been rapidly on the rise. Evidence-based, double-blind trials are needed to study the following:
In this article collection, we wish to address the following thematic areas:
1. Obtaining specific data on the frequency of use of non-invasive respiratory support (HHFNC, CPAP, and BIPAP) and invasive ventilation. Historical age-matched controls may be used or prospective controls may be used by randomization
2. Complications related to non-invasive respiratory support need to be documented by prospective studies
3. Acceptance of this therapy by resident and nursing staff working in ICU with respect to benefit and potential issues such as feeding and physiotherapy
4. Developing criteria for documentation of failure of non-invasive respiratory support
5. Measurement of pharyngeal pressure variability in HHFNC
6. Study potential mechanisms of improvement in oxygenation and CO2 washout
7. Use in upper as well as lower respiratory tract infections or problems
8. Potential use in status asthmaticus.
Non-invasive respiratory support modality has gained popularity in newborns, children, as well as adults. It has been observed in many pediatric intensive care units that the incidence of use of invasive mechanical ventilation for bronchiolitis or pneumonia is significantly reduced if non-invasive respiratory support is instituted early. Randomized control trials of HHFNC (humidified high-flow nasal cannula) in pediatric intensive care unit versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) are scant. In the past decade, the use of non-invasive respiratory support therapy has been rapidly on the rise. Evidence-based, double-blind trials are needed to study the following:
In this article collection, we wish to address the following thematic areas:
1. Obtaining specific data on the frequency of use of non-invasive respiratory support (HHFNC, CPAP, and BIPAP) and invasive ventilation. Historical age-matched controls may be used or prospective controls may be used by randomization
2. Complications related to non-invasive respiratory support need to be documented by prospective studies
3. Acceptance of this therapy by resident and nursing staff working in ICU with respect to benefit and potential issues such as feeding and physiotherapy
4. Developing criteria for documentation of failure of non-invasive respiratory support
5. Measurement of pharyngeal pressure variability in HHFNC
6. Study potential mechanisms of improvement in oxygenation and CO2 washout
7. Use in upper as well as lower respiratory tract infections or problems
8. Potential use in status asthmaticus.