Abstract

INTRODUCTION

High-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNC) therapy is reported to provide a significant improvement in vital findings in pediatric patients who develop respiratory distress at acute bronchiolitis follow up. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of HFNC therapy on vital findings in infants diagnosed severe acute bronchiolitis and also, we compared the mean duration and the number of hospitalizations of these patients in the intensive care unit with the period where HFNC was not available in our center.

METHODS

This observational, single center study included patients (1-24 months) diagnosed with severe

acute bronchiolitis who were administered HFNC therapy (1-2 L/kg/min with F&P Airvo 2TM optiflow

device) between October 2017 and March 2018. Duration of hospitalization, respiratory and heart rate,

blood pressure, and saturation of oxygen change values at 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours of HFNC therapy

were evaluated.

Results: A total of

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients was included in the study, 66% (n=27) were boys, the mean age was 7.5±5.6

months, and the mean body weight was 7.5±2.2 kilograms. Of all patients, 32 (78%) were followed up in

the ward, and 9 (22%) were transferred to pediatric intensive care unit. Heart and respiratory rates were

significantly decreased and saturation of oxygen was significantly increased at 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours.

No significant difference was found in the duration of hospitalization compared to the period where HFNC

was not available.mpared to the period where HFNC was not available.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In our study, HFNC therapy significantly decreased respiratory and heart rate, and significantly

improved SpO2. Our data about efficacy of HFNC therapy should be evaluated with multicenter studies.