Non-invasive respiratory support for the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is characterized by tachypnea and signs of respiratory distress. Transient tachypnea typically appears within the first two hours of life in term and late preterm newborns. Supportive management might be sufficient. Non-invasive (i.e. without endotracheal intubation) respiratory support may, however, be administered to reduce respiratory distress during TTN. In addition, non-invasive respiratory support might improve clearance of lung liquid thus reducing the effort required to breathe, improving respiratory distress and potentially reducing the duration of tachypnea. OBJECTIVES: To assess benefits and harms of non-invasive respiratory support for the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1996 to 19 February 2019), Embase (1980 to 19 February 2019) and CINAHL (1982 to 19 February 2019). We applied no language restrictions. We searched clinical trial registries for ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials and cluster trials on non-invasive respiratory support provided to infants born at 34 weeks' gestational age or more and less than three days of age with transient tachypnea of the newborn. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: For each of the included trials, two review authors independently extracted data (e.g. number of participants, birth weight, gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, need for continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] and need for mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, etc.) and assessed the risk of bias (e.g. adequacy of randomization, blinding, completeness of follow-up). The primary outcomes considered in this review were need for mechanical ventilation and pneumothorax. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials (150 infants) comparing either CPAP to free-flow oxygen, nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation to nasal CPAP, or nasal high-frequency percussive ventilation versus nasal CPAP. Due to these different comparisons and to high clinical heterogeneity in the baseline clinical characteristics, we did not pool the three studies. The use of CPAP versus free oxygen did not improve the primary outcomes of this review: need for mechanical ventilation (risk ratio [RR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01 to 6.99; 1 study, 64 participants); and pneumothorax (not estimable, no cases occurred). Among secondary outcomes, CPAP reduced the duration of tachypnea as compared to free oxygen (mean difference [MD] -21.10 hours, 95% CI -22.92 to -19.28; 1 study, 64 participants). Nasal intermittent ventilation did not reduce the need for mechanical ventilation as compared with CPAP (RR 4.00, 95% CI 0.49 to 32.72; 1 study, 40 participants) or the incidence of pneumothorax (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 14.90; 1 study, 40 participants); duration of tachypnea did not differ (MD 4.30, 95% CI -19.14 to 27.74; 1 study, 40 participants). In the study comparing nasal high-frequency ventilation to CPAP, no cases of mechanical ventilation of pneumothorax occurred (not estimable; 1 study, 46 participants); duration of tachypnea was reduced in the nasal high-frequency ventilation group (MD -4.53, 95% CI -5.64 to -3.42; 1 study, 46 participants). The quality of the evidence was very low due to the imprecision of the estimates and unclear risk of bias for detection bias and high risk of bias for reporting bias. Tests for heterogeneity were not applicable for any of the analyses as no studies were pooled. Two trials are ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to establish the benefit and harms of non-invasive respiratory support in the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn. Though two of the included trials showed a shorter duration of tachypnea, clinically relevant outcomes did not differ amongst the groups. Given the limited and low quality of the evidence available, it was impossible to determine whether non-invasive respiratory support was safe or effective for the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

Ambient Noise Production by High-Frequency Neonatal Ventilators.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sound levels of 4 high-frequency neonatal ventilators to determine whether there is a safety benefit in using modern high-frequency ventilators compared with older models. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a bench study comparing noise production of the Sensormedics 3100A Oscillator, Bunnell Life Pulse Jet Ventilators Model 203 and Model 204, and Dräger VN500 in high-frequency mode. A wide range of ventilation settings was examined. All measurements were performed in triplicate using a high-fidelity sound meter, with data analyzed using ANOVA and regression analyses. RESULTS: The Dräger ventilator was quietest overall, with average sound levels of 49.8 ± 0.49 dB across all settings. The average noise from the Sensormedics was 53.6 ± 2.01 dB, for Bunnell Model 203 was 54.1 ± 1.09 dB, and for Bunnell Model 204 was 53.7 ± 1.45 dB. Adjustments made to frequency/rate and mean airway pressure/positive end-expiratory pressure had minimal effect on noise, and increasing amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure resulted in significantly more noise by all ventilators. At all settings, the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators were louder than the Dräger, and the difference became greater as amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure was increased. CONCLUSIONS: The Dräger VN500 in high-frequency mode produces significantly less noise that both the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators. These data suggest that using the Dräger VN500 as a high-frequency ventilator may reduce the potential for adverse outcomes created by ventilator noise.

Infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas en niños menores de 2 años: hospitalizaciones durante el invierno del año 2014 / Low acute respiratory infections in children under 2 years: 2014 winter hospitalizations / Infecções agudas das vias respiratórias inferiores em crianças menores de 2 anos: hospitalizações em 2014

Durante el invierno las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) determinan un incremento en la demanda asistencial, afectando sobre todo a los niños más pequeños. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir las características clínicas, modalidades de tratamiento y evolución de los menores de 2 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell por IRAB de etiología viral durante el invierno de 2014. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, describiendo las características de los menores de 2 años hospitalizados del 9/6 al 21/9/2014 por IRAB de probable etiología viral. Se describieron las características epidemiológicas y clínicas, el tratamiento realizado y la evolución de los pacientes. En el período evaluado egresaron 742 niños (34% de los egresos de la institución). Tenían una mediana de edad de 4 meses; 18% presentaba al menos un factor de riesgo de IRAB grave. Se identificó al virus respiratorio sincicial en 59,6%. La estadía hospitalaria tuvo una mediana de 4 días. En las salas de cuidados moderados se aplicó ventilación no invasiva a 46 niños, y oxigenación de alto flujo a 129 niños, logrando una mejoría clínica en el 87,0% y el 87,6% respectivamente. Ingresaron a unidades de cuidados intensivos 217 niños, 54% requirió asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Dos pacientes fallecieron. En el período evaluado los niños pequeños con IRAB representaron una importante proporción de los egresos, con importante carga asistencial. La mayoría eran niños sin factores de riesgo. La aplicación de las técnicas de tratamiento en cuidados moderados fue efectiva, permitiendo disminuir la demanda de camas de cuidados intensivos.

During the winter, low acute respiratory infections (LARI) determine an increase in care demand, especially affecting younger children. The objective of the research was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and evolution of children under 2 years of age hospitalized at the Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell for viral etiology LARI during the 2014 winter. A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, describing the characteristics of children under 2 years hospitalized between 9/6 and 9/21/2014 for LARI of probable viral etiology. The following features were described: epidemiological and clinical characteristics, treatment performed and patient's evolution. During the period evaluated, 742 children were discharged (34% of the institution's admissions). They had a median age of 4 months; 18% had at least one risk factor for severe LARI. Respiratory syncytial virus was identified in 59.6%. The hospital stay had a median of 4 days. In moderate care rooms noninvasive ventilation was applied to 46 children, and high flow oxygenation to 129 children, achieving clinical improvement in 87.0% and 87.6%, respectively. Two hundred and seventeen children were admitted 54% required mechanical ventilation. Two patients died. In the evaluated period small children with LARI represented a significant proportion of the discharges, with an important burden of care. The majority were children without risk factors. The application of treatment techniques in moderate care was effective, allowed a decrease in the demand for intensive care beds.

Durante o inverno, as infecções respiratórias agudas baixas (IRAB) determinam o aumento da demanda de cuidados, afetando especialmente as crianças menores. O objetivo da pesquisa foi descrever as características clínicas, as modalidades de tratamento e a evolução de crianças menores de dois anos hospitalizados no Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell devido a IRAB de etiologia viral, durante o inverno de 2014. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, descrevendo as características das crianças menores de 2 anos hospitalizadas entre 9/6 e 21/9/2014 devido a IRAB de provável etiologia viral. Descreveram-se: características epidemiológicas e clínicas, tratamento realizado e evolução dos pacientes. Durante o período avaliado, 742 crianças foram hospitalizadas (34% dos ingressos da instituição). Tinham uma idade média de 4 meses; 18% tinham pelo menos um fator de risco para IRAB severa. O vírus sincicial respiratório foi identificado em 59,6%. A estadia hospitalaria teve uma mediana de 4 dias. Em salas de cuidados moderados, a ventilação não invasiva foi aplicada a 46 crianças e a oxigenação de alto fluxo a 129 crianças, atingindo melhora clínica em 87,0% e 87,6%, respectivamente. Foram internadas em unidades de terapia intensiva 217 crianças, 54% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica. Dois pacientes faleceram. No período avaliado, as crianças pequenas com IRAB representaram uma proporção significativa das despesas, com um carga importante de atendimento. A maioria carecia de fatores de risco. A aplicação de técnicas de tratamento em cuidados moderados foi eficaz, permitindo uma diminuição da demanda por leitos de terapia intensiva.

Ventilación no invasiva y oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en niños en salas de cuidados moderados. Experiencia en la Unidad de Cuidados Respiratorios Especiales Agudos del Hospital Pediátrico del CHPR durante 2013-2016 / Non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy in children in moderate care rooms. Experience at the Special Respiratory Acute Care at the CHPR from 2013 to 2016 / Ventilação não invasiva e oxigenoterapia de alto fluxo em crianças em consultórios de atenção de nível moderado. Experiência na Unidade de Cuidados Respiratórios Especiais Agudos do Hospital Pediátrico do CHPR durante 2013-2016

Resumen: Introducción: las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) constituyen un importante problema de salud en invierno. El centro de referencia nacional en Uruguay ofrece a niños con IRAB ventilación no invasiva (VNI) y cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) en cuidados moderados. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de los niños asistidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Respiratorios Especiales Agudos (CREA) del Hospital Pediátrico de referencia nacional. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Se incluyeron todos los niños hospitalizados por IRAB asistidos en CREA que recibieron VNI y/o CNAF entre 1/1/13 y 31/12/16. Se revisaron historias clínicas. Variables: características clínicas, tratamientos, complicaciones, evolución y destino. Resultados: se asistieron 650 niños (348 con CNAF; 302 con VNI); sexo masculino 63% (407). Bronquiolitis 63% (406), se detectó virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS) en 60% (388). Media de edad en niños que recibieron CNAF 11 meses (9 días-108 meses); promedio duración de la técnica: 3 días. Requirieron ingreso a unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI): 12% (43); asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (AVM): 6% (22). Media de edad en niños que recibieron VNI :12 meses (1-132 meses); media de duración de la técnica: 3 días. Requirieron ingreso a UCI 16% (49); AVM: 9,6% (29). No se registraron fallecimientos ni complicaciones graves. Conclusiones: el 85% de los niños completó su tratamiento en la Unidad CREA. El porcentaje de niños que requirió AVM fue bajo. La implementación de estas técnicas en cuidados moderados redujo la necesidad de ingreso a UCI y probablemente la necesidad de AVM.

Summary: Introduction: acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a major health problem in winter. The National Reference Center in Uruguay offers children with LRTI, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannula (CNAF) in moderate care. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and evolution of the children assisted in Special Respiratory Care Acute (CREA unit), in a national pediatric reference hospital. Patients and methods: retrospective, descriptive study. All children hospitalized for LRTI assisted in CREA who received NIV and / or CNAF between 1/1/13 and 12/31/16 were included in the study. Clinical records were reviewed. Variables: clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, evolution and destination. Results: a total of 650 children were assisted (348 with CNAF, 302 with NIV); male sex 63% (407). Bronchiolitis 63% (406), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was detected in 60% (388). Mean age in children receiving CNAF was 11 months (9 days - 108 months); mean duration of technique was 3 days. Required admission to intensive care unit (ICU): 12% (43); invasive ventilation (IV) 6% (22). Mean age in children receiving NIV 12 months (1-132 months); mean duration of technique 3 days. Required admission to the ICU 49 (16%); IV 29 (9.6%). There were no deaths or serious complications. Conclusions: 85% of this group of children completed their treatment in the CREA unit. The percentage of children who required IV was low. The implementation of these techniques in moderate care reduced the need to enter an ICU and the need for IV.

Resumo: Introdução: as infecções respiratórias agudas baixas (IRAB) são um importante problema de saúde no inverno. O centro de referência nacional no Uruguai oferece ventilação não invasiva (NIV) e cânula nasal de alto fluxo (CNAF) em cuidados moderados às crianças com IRAB. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas, tratamento e evolução das crianças atendidas na Unidade Especial de Tratamento Respiratório Agudo (CREA) do Hospital de Referência Nacional de Pediatria. Pacientes e métodos: estudo retrospectivo, descritivo. No estudo foram incluídas todas as crianças hospitalizadas por causa da IRAB atendidas no CREA que receberam VNI e / ou CNAF entre 1/1/13 e 31/12/16. Foram revisadas as histórias clínicas. Variáveis: características clínicas, tratamentos, complicações, evolução e destino. Resultados: 650 crianças foram atendidas (348 com CNAF, 302 com NIV); sexo masculino 63% (407). Bronquiolite 63% (406), o Vírus Respiratório Sincicial (VRS) foi detectado em 60% (388). Idade média em crianças que receberam CNAF: 11 meses (9 dias-108 meses); Duração média da técnica: 3 dias. Necessidade para admissão nas unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI): 12% (43); assistência ventilatória mecânica (MAV) 6% (22). Idade média em crianças que receberam VNI: 12 meses (1-132 meses); duração média da técnica: 3 dias. Deveram ser admitidos na UTI: 16% (49); AVM 9,6% (29). Nenhuma morte ou complicações sérias foram registradas. Conclusões: 85% das crianças completaram o tratamento na unidade CREA. A porcentagem de crianças que necessitaram de AVM foi baixa. A implementação dessas técnicas em cuidados moderados reduziu a necessidade de internação na UTI e, provavelmente, a necessidade de MAV.

High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation Facilitates Weaning from Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an invaluable rescue therapy for patients suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest, but it is not without its drawbacks. There are cases where patients recover their cardiac function, yet they fail to wean to mechanical conventional ventilation (MCV). The use of high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has been described in patients with acute respiratory failure (RF) who fail MCV. We describe our experience with five patients who underwent VA-ECMO for cardiopulmonary arrest who were successfully weaned from VA-ECMO with HFPV after failure to wean with MCV. Weaning trials of HFPV a day before decannulation or at the time of separation from VA-ECMO were conducted. Primary endpoint data collected include pre- and post-HFPV partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) ratios measured at 2 and 24 hours after institution of HFPV. Additional periprocedural data points were collected including length of time on ECMO, hospital stay, and survival to discharge. Four of five patients were placed on VA-ECMO subsequent to percutaneous coronary intervention. One patient had cardiac arrest secondary to RF. Mean PaO2 (44 ± 15.9 mmHg vs. 354 ± 149 mmHg, p < .01) and mean P/F ratio (44 ± 15.9 vs. 354 ± 149, p < .01) increased dramatically at 2 hours after the initiation of HFPV. The improvement in mean PaO2 and P/F ratio was durable at 24 hours whether or not the patient was returned to MCV (n = 3) or remained on HFPV (n = 2) (44 ± 15.9 mmHg vs. 131 ± 68.7 mmHg, p = .036 and 44 ± 15.9 vs. 169 ± 69.9, p < .01, respectively). Survival to discharge was 80%. The data presented suggest that HFPV may be used as a strategy to shorten time on ECMO, thereby reducing the negative effects of the ECMO circuit and improving its cost efficacy.

Use of High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation to Expand Organ Donor Pool.

A 34-year-old woman was brought in to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. She had signs of traumatic head injury with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3, and her neurological examination was consistent with brain death. She was persistently hypoxic on conventional mechanical ventilation and high-frequency percussive ventilation was initiated. The patient's oxygenation improved and was sustained long enough to provide time for organ procurement. This is the first case portraying high-frequency percussive ventilation as a bridge for donors failing on conventional mechanical ventilation.

Effect of Postextubation High-Flow Nasal Cannula vs Noninvasive Ventilation on Reintubation and Postextubation Respiratory Failure in High-Risk Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: High-flow conditioned oxygen therapy delivered through nasal cannulae and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) may reduce the need for reintubation. Among the advantages of high-flow oxygen therapy are comfort, availability, lower costs, and additional physiopathological mechanisms. Objective: To test if high-flow conditioned oxygen therapy is noninferior to NIV for preventing postextubation respiratory failure and reintubation in patients at high risk of reintubation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter randomized clinical trial in 3 intensive care units in Spain (September 2012-October 2014) including critically ill patients ready for planned extubation with at least 1 of the following high-risk factors for reintubation: older than 65 years; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score higher than 12 points on extubation day; body mass index higher than 30; inadequate secretions management; difficult or prolonged weaning; more than 1 comorbidity; heart failure as primary indication for mechanical ventilation; moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; airway patency problems; or prolonged mechanical ventilation. Interventions: Patients were randomized to undergo either high-flow conditioned oxygen therapy or NIV for 24 hours after extubation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were reintubation and postextubation respiratory failure within 72 hours. Noninferiority margin was 10 percentage points. Secondary outcomes included respiratory infection, sepsis, and multiple organ failure, length of stay and mortality; adverse events; and time to reintubation. Results: Of 604 patients (mean age, 65 [SD, 16] years; 388 [64%] men), 314 received NIV and 290 high-flow oxygen. Sixty-six patients (22.8%) in the high-flow group vs 60 (19.1%) in the NIV group were reintubation (absolute difference, -3.7%; 95% CI, -9.1% to ∞); 78 patients (26.9%) in the high-flow group vs 125 (39.8%) in the NIV group experienced postextubation respiratory failure (risk difference, 12.9%; 95% CI, 6.6% to ∞) [corrected]. Median time to reintubation did not significantly differ: 26.5 hours (IQR, 14-39 hours) in the high-flow group vs 21.5 hours (IQR, 10-47 hours) in the NIV group (absolute difference, -5 hours; 95% CI, -34 to 24 hours). Median postrandomization ICU length of stay was lower in the high-flow group, 3 days (IQR, 2-7) vs 4 days (IQR, 2-9; P=.048). Other secondary outcomes were similar in the 2 groups. Adverse effects requiring withdrawal of the therapy were observed in none of patients in the high-flow group vs 42.9% patients in the NIV group (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Among high-risk adults who have undergone extubation, high-flow conditioned oxygen therapy was not inferior to NIV for preventing reintubation and postextubation respiratory failure. High-flow conditioned oxygen therapy may offer advantages for these patients. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01191489.

Refractory Hypoxemia and Use of Rescue Strategies. A U.S. National Survey of Adult Intensivists.

RATIONALE: The management of severe and refractory hypoxemia in critically ill adult patients is practice based. Variability across individual practitioners and institutions is not well documented. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a nationwide survey of critical care physicians in the United States regarding accepted definitions and management strategies for severe and refractory hypoxemia. METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed to a stratified random sample of adult intensivists listed in the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. The survey was generated by using a mixed-methods approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the survey, 4,865 e-mails were sent and 791 (16.3%) were opened. Among those who opened the e-mail message, 50% (n = 396) responded, representing 8.1% of total surveys sent. Seventy-two percent stated that their institutions lacked a protocol for identification and management of severe or refractory hypoxemia in the setting of acute respiratory failure. While the majority of respondents used low-Vt ventilation (81%), high positive end-expiratory pressure (86%), recruitment maneuvers (89%), and either bolus or infusion neuromuscular blockade (94%), there was marked variability in the use of specific rescue strategies as tier 1 or 2 interventions: prone position (27.8% vs. 47.8%, respectively), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.3% vs. 51.2%, respectively), airway pressure release ventilation (49% vs. 34.5%, respectively), inhaled vasodilators (30.1% vs. 40%, respectively), and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (7.8% vs. 40%, respectively). The variability was partly explained by providers' expertise with particular rescue strategies (77.7%), advance directives (70.1%), the training of allied health staff (62.3%), and institutional availability (53.8%). CONCLUSIONS: U.S. adult critical care physicians predominantly employ lung-protective ventilation for severe hypoxemia. A wide variation in other rescue strategies is noted, which is partly explained by user expertise and availability. Less than 30% institutions have formal protocols for management of refractory hypoxemia.

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Rescue Strategies in 1,000 Subjects With Severe Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure have shown a high mortality in previous studies. METHODS: All adult ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation from 2005 to 2010 at Mayo Clinic were screened for severe hypoxemia (Murray lung injury score of ≥ 3). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, prone positioning, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and inhaled vasodilators were considered as rescue strategies. A propensity-based scoring was created for the indication or predilection to use each strategy. A model was created to evaluate the association of each rescue strategy with hospital mortality. RESULTS: Among 1,032 subjects with severe hypoxemia, 239 subjects received some form of rescue strategy (59 received a combination of therapies, and 180 received individual therapies). Inhaled vasodilators were the most common, followed by HFOV. Rescue strategies were used in younger subjects with severe oxygenation deficits. Subjects receiving rescue strategies had higher mortality and longer ICU stays. None of the strategies individually or in combination showed a significant association with hospital mortality after adjusting covariates by propensity scoring. Adjusted Odds ratios and respective 95% CI were as follows: HFOV 0.67 (0.35-1.27), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 0.63 (0.18-1.92), prone position 1.07 (0.49-2.28), and inhaled vasodilators 1.17 (0.78-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective comparative effectiveness study, there was no association of rescue strategies with hospital mortality in subjects with severe hypoxemia.

High-frequency oscillation ventilation for hypercapnic failure of conventional ventilation in pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: High-frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) is regarded as particularly lung protective. Recently, HFOV has been shown to be not beneficial for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients in general. Due to its special physical effects, it could be beneficial, however, in inhomogeneous ARDS. This study evaluates the effect of HFOV on PaCO2 removal in hypercapnic patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin. METHODS: Between October 2010 and June 2014 patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin with PaO2/FiO2 ratio >60 mmHg, but respiratory acidosis (pH <7.26) under optimized protective ventilation were switched to HFOV, using moderate airway pressure (adopting the mean airway pressure of the prior ventilation). Data from these patients were analyzed retrospectively; PaCO2 and pH before, 1 h and 24 h after the start of HFOV were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio 139 ± 49 and respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 68 ± 12 mmHg) were put on HFOV after 17 ± 22 h of conventional ventilation. Mean airway pressure was 19 cm H2O (15 to 28). PaCO2 decreased significantly: after 1 hour the mean difference was -14 ± 10 mmHg; P <0.01 and after 24 hours -17 ± 12 mmHg; P <0.01; n = 24. CO2 clearance improved in all but two patients; in those, extracorporeal lung support was initiated. Oxygenation remained unchanged after 1 h and slightly increased after 24 h. No complications related to HFOV were observed. Twenty-two patients improved and could be weaned from HFOV. Twenty patients (77%) were alive on day 30. CONCLUSIONS: HFOV could be a useful alternative in patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin with hypercapnic failure of lung-protective conventional ventilation.

Sojourn in excessively high oxygen saturation ranges in individual, very low-birthweight neonates.

AIM: To investigate the variability in sojourn times at high oxygen saturations (SpO2 ) in individual patients and to examine whether there are subsets of patients or treatments that are associated with differing sojourn times at SpO2 ≥93%. METHODS: Pulse oximetry data (Masimo) were studied in 71 premature babies receiving supplemental oxygen. Outcome measure was proportion of time per 12-h shift that individual babies spent in the range SpO2 ≥93%. We studied whether an inordinate proportion of time spent at SpO2 ≥93% was attributable to any subset of babies, mode of ventilation or nursing shifts, whether sojourn times were statistically independent shift-to-shift and whether an educational intervention reduced the amount of time spent at SpO2 ≥93%. RESULTS: The proportion of time spent by the populations overall at SpO2 ≥93% was distributed equally among babies. However, high-frequency ventilation was associated with the least amount of time at SpO2 ≥93% compared with other modes of respiratory support (p < 0.0001), while nasal cannulae were associated with the highest proportion of time at SpO2 ≥93% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Measures to improve compliance with targeted SpO2 ranges should be applied universally although further improvement may be achieved by specifically targeting babies receiving supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula.

The effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation combined with tracheal gas insufflation on extravascular lung water in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized, crossover, physiologic study.

PURPOSE: High-frequency oscillation combined with tracheal gas insufflation (HFO-TGI) improves oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There are limited physiologic data regarding the effects of HFO-TGI on hemodynamics and pulmonary edema during ARDS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HFO-TGI on extravascular lung water (EVLW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, crossover study. Consecutive eligible patients with ARDS received sessions of conventional mechanical ventilation with recruitment maneuvers (RMs), followed by HFO-TGI with RMs, or vice versa. Each ventilatory technique was administered for 8 hours. The order of administration was randomly assigned. Arterial/central venous blood gas analysis and measurement of hemodynamic parameters and EVLW were performed at baseline and after each 8-hour period using the single-indicator thermodilution technique. RESULTS: Twelve patients received 32 sessions. Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen and respiratory system compliance were higher (P<.001 for both), whereas extravascular lung water index to predicted body weight and oxygenation index were lower (P=.021 and .029, respectively) in HFO-TGI compared with conventional mechanical ventilation. There was a significant correlation between Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen improvement and extravascular lung water index drop during HFO-TGI (Rs=-0.452, P=.009). CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency oscillation combined with tracheal gas insufflation improves gas exchange and lung mechanics in ARDS and potentially attenuates EVLW accumulation.

Ventilación neonatal en Cuba, modalidades más utilizadas y sobrevida durante el período 2002-2011 / Neonatal ventilation in Cuba, the most used modalities and the survival rates in the 2002-2011 period

Introducción: la asistencia respiratoria es un marcador de la evolución de la Neonatología. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las modalidades ventilatorias y su sobrevida en Cuba. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, multicéntrico nacional en 14 377 recién nacidos ventilados, durante el período 2002-2011. Se calculó el índice de ventilados, los porcentajes de las modalidades con presión positiva intermitente, presión positiva continua y alta frecuencia oscilatoria, y el porcentaje de sobrevida de cada una de ellas. Resultados: aumentó el índice de ventilación a 2 por ciento, el uso de presión positiva continua a 29 por ciento y con alta frecuencia oscilatoria a 7,2 por ciento, disminuyó la utilización de presión positiva intermitente a 64 por ciento. La sobrevida aumentó en todas las modalidades. Conclusiones: hubo un incremento de la ventilación con presión positiva continua, acompañado de una disminución de la ventilación con presión positiva intermitente. La sobrevida se incrementó en todas las modalidades empleadas

Introduction: The assisted ventilation is a development marker of neonatology. Objective: To describe the behavior of ventilation modalities and their survival rates in Cuba. Methods: A national multicenter descriptive study was conducted in 14 377 ventilated newborns in the period of 2002 through 2011. The index of ventilated patients, the percentages of modalities with intermittent positive pressure, continuous positive pressure and high oscillatory frequency, and the survival percentages of each of them were all estimated. Results: The ventilation index rose to 2 percent, the use of continuous positive pressure to 29 percent and the high oscillatory frequency to 7.2 percent but the use of intermittent positive pressure decreased to 64 percent. The survival rates increased in all the modalities. Conclusions: There was increase of continuous positive pressure ventilation and in turn a reduction of intermittent positive pressure ventilation. The survival rate increased in all the modalities

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) mortality without surgical repair? A plea to clarify surgical ineligibility.

PURPOSE: Little is known about liveborn CDH patients who die without surgery. We audited a national CDH cohort to determine whether these patients were different from patients who received CDH repair. METHODS: A national CDH database was analyzed (2005-2009). After excluding infants with severe physiologic instability and genetic/congenital malformations, a potential surgical candidate (PSC) subgroup was identified. PSCs were compared to the operative group (OG) and the operative non-survivor (ONS) subgroup. Standard statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 275 liveborns, 35 (13%) died without surgery. The PSC subgroup (n=11) had a median survival of 10 days (range: 3-18). Ten of 11 PSC infants were treated in ECMO centers, with 4 receiving ECMO. No differences in BW, GA, and rates of minor malformation were observed between PSC and OG patients. While neonatal illness severity (SNAP-II) predicted overall mortality, SNAP-II scores were similar between PSC and ONS groups (34 vs. 29; p=0.431). Furthermore, greater than 80% of infants with SNAP-II scores between 30 and 39 survived in the OG cohort. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrated that PSCs were similar to infants offered surgery based on illness severity and the presence of congenital malformations. We suggest that criteria for surgical ineligibility be developed to standardize the selection of surgical candidates.

Hearing loss in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors: is it as prevalent as we think?

PURPOSE: The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL;>20 dB loss) in CDH survivors is debated. We evaluated long-term audiological outcomes at a single tertiary care center with ECMO capability and an established neonatal follow-up program. METHODS: With REB approval, records of CDH survivors from 2000 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, postnatal, and audiometric information was gathered. All underwent auditory brainstem response (ABR) or otoacoustic emissions screening before discharge and complete audiological surveillance. Thirty-three patients were evaluated to age 4+ years with others continuing follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-three patient records were reviewed with 1 excluded (transferred to another institution). Median GA and BW were 39 weeks (35-41) and 3.1 kg (2-4), respectively. Median ventilation days were 10 (2-189) with 34 infants ventilated 5+ days. Sixteen (36%) received HFOV, 21 (49%) iNO, and 5 (12%) ECMO. The median time to CDH repair was 3 days (1-23), and 11 (26%) required patch repair. Nine infants (21%) received diuretics and oxygen after discharge. Audiological surveillance identified only one patient with SNHL (received HFO, iNO, and patch repair). CONCLUSION: Neonatal screening identifies CDH survivors at risk for hearing difficulties but must be followed with comprehensive testing until school age. The incidence of SNHL may be less than previously reported in this population.

Elective high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation for acute pulmonary dysfunction in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure due to lung immaturity is a major cause of mortality in preterm infants. Although the use of intermittent positive pressure ventilation in neonates with respiratory failure saves lives, its use is associated with lung injury and chronic lung disease (CLD). A newer form of ventilation called high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been shown to result in less lung injury in experimental studies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to determine the effect of the elective use of HFOV as compared to conventional ventilation (CV) on the incidence of CLD, mortality and other complications associated with prematurity and assisted ventilation in preterm infants who are mechanically ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). SEARCH METHODS: Searches were made of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, previous reviews including cross-references, abstracts, conferences and symposia proceedings, expert informants, journal hand searching by the Cochrane Collaboration, mainly in the English language. The search was updated in January 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing HFOV and CV in preterm or low birth weight infants with pulmonary dysfunction, mainly due to RDS, who required assisted ventilation. Randomization and commencement of treatment needed to be as soon as possible after the start of CV and usually in the first 12 h of life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The methodological quality of each trial was independently reviewed by the various authors. The standard effect measures are relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD). From 1/RD the number needed to treat to produce one outcome were calculated. For all measures of effect, 95% confidence intervals were used. In subgroup analyses the 99% CIs are also given for summary RRs in the text. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effect model. Where heterogeneity was over 50%, the random effects RR is also given. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen eligible studies of 3,652 infants were included. Meta-analysis comparing HFOV with CV revealed no evidence of effect on mortality at 28-30 days of age or at approximately term equivalent age. These results were consistent across studies and in subgroup analyses. The effect of HFOV on CLD in survivors at term equivalent gestational age was inconsistent across studies and the reduction was of borderline significance overall. The effect was similar in trials with a high lung volume strategy for HFOV targeting at very low FiO(2) and trials with a high lung volume strategy with somewhat higher or unspecified target FiO(2). Subgroups of trials showed a significant reduction in CLD with HFOV when no surfactant was used, when piston oscillators were used for HFOV, when lung protective strategies for CV were not used, when randomization occurred at two to six hours of age, and when inspiratory:expiratory ratio of 1:2 was used for HFOV. In the meta-analysis of all trials, pulmonary air leaks occurred more frequently in the HFOV group. In some studies, short-term neurological morbidity with HFOV was found, but this effect was not statistically significant overall. The subgroup of two trials not using a high-volume strategy with HFOV found increased rates of grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage and of periventricular leukomalacia. An adverse effect of HFOV on long-term neurodevelopment was found in one large trial but not in the five other trials that reported this outcome. The rate of retinopathy of prematurity is reduced overall in the HFOV group.