High-flow nasal cannula therapy versus non-invasive ventilation in children with severe acute asthma exacerbation: An observational cohort study / Oxigenoterapia de alto flujo frente a ventilación no invasiva en niños con estatus asmático: estudio observacional de cohortes

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 (AU)

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar nuestra experiencia con el uso de oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) frente a la ventilación no invasiva (NIV) en niños con estatus asmático (EA). Métodos: Estudio observacional de una cohorte retrospectiva de 42 niños con EA ingresados en nuestra Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP) con soporte respiratorio no invasivo. El objetivo principal del estudio fue valorar el éxito/fracaso del soporte respiratorio inicial (necesidad o no de escalar a un soporte respiratorio superior). El objetivo secundario fue comparar la duración del soporte respiratorio y del ingreso en la UCIP. Resultados: Cuarenta y dos niños cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Veinte (47,6%) fueron tratados con OAF y 22 (52,3%) con VNI como soporte respiratorio inicial. No hubo fracaso terapéutico en el grupo VNI, si bien 8 niños (40%) del grupo OAF fueron cambiados a VNI. La duración de la estancia en la UCIP y en el hospital fue similar en ambos grupos NIV y HFNC. Sin embargo, en el subgrupo de fracaso de OAF, la duración del soporte respiratorio (el triple, 63h) y la estancia en la UCIP fueron mucho mayores en comparación con los sujetos que tuvieron éxito en el tratamiento. Conclusiones: Este estudio observacional, con sus evidentes limitaciones, podría sugerir que el uso de HFNC en algunos sujetos con EA puede retrasar el inicio de la VNI y potencialmente causar un soporte respiratorio más prolongado y una mayor estancia en la UCIP (AU)

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.

Oxigenoterapia de alto flujo frente a ventilación no invasiva en niños con estatus asmático: estudio observacional de cohortes / High-flow oxygen therapy versus non-invasive ventilation in children with asthmatic status: observational cohort study

Introducción El objetivo de este estudio es comparar nuestra experiencia con el uso de oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) frente a la ventilación no invasiva (NIV) en niños con estatus asmático (EA). Métodos Estudio observacional de una cohorte retrospectiva de 42 niños con EA ingresados en nuestra Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP) con soporte respiratorio no invasivo. El objetivo principal del estudio fue valorar el éxito/fracaso del soporte respiratorio inicial (necesidad o no de escalar a un soporte respiratorio superior). El objetivo secundario fue comparar la duración del soporte respiratorio y del ingreso en la UCIP. Resultados Cuarenta y dos niños cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Veinte (47,6 por ciento) fueron tratados con OAF y 22 (52,3 por ciento) con VNI como soporte respiratorio inicial. No hubo fracaso terapéutico en el grupo VNI, si bien 8 niños (40 por ciento) del grupo OAF fueron cambiados a VNI. La duración de la estancia en la UCIP y en el hospital fue similar en ambos grupos NIV y HFNC. Sin embargo, en el subgrupo de fracaso de OAF, la duración del soporte respiratorio (el triple, 63h) y la estancia en la UCIP fueron mucho mayores en comparación con los sujetos que tuvieron éxito en el tratamiento. Conclusiones Este estudio observacional, con sus evidentes limitaciones, podría sugerir que el uso de HFNC en algunos sujetos con EA puede retrasar el inicio de la VNI y potencialmente causar un soporte respiratorio más prolongado y una mayor estancia en la UCIP.

Análisis de las traqueotomías en cuidados intensivos pediátricos durante el periodo 2003-2013 / Analysis of tracheostomies in a pediatric intensive care unit during the period 2003-2013

INTRODUCCIÓN: La traqueotomía es un procedimiento poco frecuente en la Unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Analizamos las complicaciones derivadas de la técnica, la mortalidad atribuible a la misma y la mortalidad global de los pacientes traqueotomizados. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo durante el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2003 y diciembre del 2013 de los pacientes ingresados en la UCIP a los que se realiza una traqueotomía a lo largo de su ingreso. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo analizado se recoge a 25 pacientes. La media de edad es de 31,3 meses (rango 1-144, mediana 14 meses) y la media de estancia en UCIP es de 53 días (rango 1-338 días, mediana 37 días). En su mayoría (68%) son pacientes con comorbilidades previas a su ingreso, destacando en frecuencia las anomalías craneofaciales/síndromes polimalformativos (32%) y problemas asociados a la prematuridad (12%). Las patologías más frecuentes que motivaron la realización del procedimiento fueron la obstrucción congénita de la vía aérea y diversas causas de lesión medular, seguido de traqueobroncomalacia y estenosis subglótica. Se detectaron complicaciones en el 40% de los pacientes, siendo la más frecuente la decanulación accidental. Presentaron durante el curso evolutivo una decanulación accidental el 20% de los pacientes, principalmente en las primeras 24 h del postoperatorio, motivo por el que falleció uno de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: La realización de la traqueotomía es un procedimiento poco frecuente en la UCIP, aunque no exento de complicaciones, algunas de ellas de riesgo vital

INTRODUCTION: Tracheotomy in pediatric patients is a rare procedure. In this pediatric series, perioperative complications, mortality related to surgical procedure and overall mortality are analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted from January 2003 to December 2013. Data were retrieved from patients who were tracheotomized and admitted to our PICU in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Data were collected from 25 tracheotomized patients admitted during the study period. The mean age was 3.3 months (median 14 months, range 1-144 months), and PICU length of stay was 53 days (median 37 days, range 1-338 days). Most patients (68%) had comorbidities before their admission, with a higher prevalene of craniofacial anomalies/polymalformative syndromes (32%) and prematurity related disorders (12%) being obserevd. The most common etiologies related to the procedure were congenital airway obstruction (16%) and several types of spinal cord injury (16%), followed by tracheobronchomalacia (12%) and subglottic stenosis (12%). Some kind of complication was detected in 40% of patients, with accidental decannulation being the most frequent. Accidental or unexpected decannulation was present in a percentage as high as 20% of our patients, mainly in the first 24hours after surgery. One of the patients died as a result of this. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative course of a tracheotomy is associated with a high rate of complications, some of them related to life-threatening events

[Analysis of tracheostomies in a pediatric intensive care unit during the period 2003-2013]. / Análisis de las traqueotomías en cuidados intensivos pediátricos durante el periodo 2003-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheotomy in pediatric patients is a rare procedure. In this pediatric series, perioperative complications, mortality related to surgical procedure and overall mortality are analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted from January 2003 to December 2013. Data were retrieved from patients who were tracheotomized and admitted to our PICU in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Data were collected from 25 tracheotomized patients admitted during the study period. The mean age was 3.3 months (median 14 months, range 1-144 months), and PICU length of stay was 53 days (median 37 days, range 1-338 days). Most patients (68%) had comorbidities before their admission, with a higher prevalene of craniofacial anomalies/polymalformative syndromes (32%) and prematurity related disorders (12%) being obserevd. The most common etiologies related to the procedure were congenital airway obstruction (16%) and several types of spinal cord injury (16%), followed by tracheobronchomalacia (12%) and subglottic stenosis (12%). Some kind of complication was detected in 40% of patients, with accidental decannulation being the most frequent. Accidental or unexpected decannulation was present in a percentage as high as 20% of our patients, mainly in the first 24 hours after surgery. One of the patients died as a result of this. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative course of a tracheotomy is associated with a high rate of complications, some of them related to life-threatening events.

Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria en niños: estudio multicéntrico español / Domiciliary mechanical ventilation in children: a spanish multicentre study

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) es una técnica cada vez más frecuente en el niño. Existen pocos estudios que hayan analizado las características y necesidades de los niños sometidos a esta técnica. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal multicéntrico de pacientes entre un mes y 16 años dependientes de ventilación mecánica domiciliaria. Resultados: Se estudiaron 163 pacientes de 17 hospitales españoles con una edad media de 7,6 años. La causa más frecuente de VMD fueron los trastornos neuromusculares. El inicio de la VMD fue a una edad media de 4,6 años. Un 71,3% recibieron ventilación no invasiva. Los pacientes con ventilación invasiva tenían menor edad, menor edad de inicio de la VMD y mayor tiempo de uso diario. El 80,9% precisaban VM solo durante el sueño, y un 11,7% durante todo el día. Únicamente un 3,4% de los pacientes tiene asistencia sanitaria externa como ayuda a la familia. Un 48,2% es controlado en consultas específicas de VMD o consultas multidisciplinares. Un 72,1% de los pacientes está escolarizado (recibiendo enseñanza adaptada un 42,3%). Solo un 47,8% de los pacientes escolarizados cuentan con cuidadores específicos en su centro escolar. Conclusiones: La VMD en niños se utiliza en un grupo muy heterogéneo de pacientes iniciándose en un importante porcentaje en los primeros 3 años de vida. A pesar de que un significativo porcentaje de pacientes tiene una gran dependencia de la VMD pocas familias cuentan con ayudas específicas tanto a nivel escolar como en el domicilio, y el seguimiento sanitario es heterogéneo y poco coordinado(AU)

Introduction: Domiciliary mechanical ventilation (DMV) use is increasing in children. Few studies have analysed the characteristics of patients using this technique. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, transversal, multicentre study was conducted on patients between 1 month and 16 years of age dependent on domiciliary mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 163 patients with a median age of 7.6 years from 17 Spanish hospitals were studied. The main reasons for DMV were neuromuscular disorders. The median age at beginning of DMV was 4.6 years. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) received non-invasive ventilation. Patients depending on invasive ventilation were younger, started DMV at an earlier age, and had more hours of mechanical ventilation per day. The large majority (80.9%) used DMV during sleep time only, and 11.7% during the whole day. Only 3.4% of patients had external health assistance. Just under half (48.2%) were being followed up in specific DMV or multidisciplinary clinics. Almost three-quarters (72.1%) of patients attended school (42.3% with adapted schooling). Only 47.8% of school patients had specific caregivers in their schools. Conclusions: DMV in children is used in a very heterogeneous group of patients, and in an important number of patients it is started before the third year of life. Despite there being a significant proportion of patients with a high dependency on DMV, few families receive specific support at home or at school, and health care surveillance is variable and poorly coordinated(AU)

[Domiciliary mechanical ventilation in children: a Spanish multicentre study]. / Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria en niños: estudio multicéntrico español.

INTRODUCTION: Domiciliary mechanical ventilation (DMV) use is increasing in children. Few studies have analysed the characteristics of patients using this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, transversal, multicentre study was conducted on patients between 1 month and 16 years of age dependent on domiciliary mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients with a median age of 7.6 years from 17 Spanish hospitals were studied. The main reasons for DMV were neuromuscular disorders. The median age at beginning of DMV was 4.6 years. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) received non-invasive ventilation. Patients depending on invasive ventilation were younger, started DMV at an earlier age, and had more hours of mechanical ventilation per day. The large majority (80.9%) used DMV during sleep time only, and 11.7% during the whole day. Only 3.4% of patients had external health assistance. Just under half (48.2%) were being followed up in specific DMV or multidisciplinary clinics. Almost three-quarters (72.1%) of patients attended school (42.3% with adapted schooling). Only 47.8% of school patients had specific caregivers in their schools. CONCLUSIONS: DMV in children is used in a very heterogeneous group of patients, and in an important number of patients it is started before the third year of life. Despite there being a significant proportion of patients with a high dependency on DMV, few families receive specific support at home or at school, and health care surveillance is variable and poorly coordinated.