High flow nasal cannula in asthmatic children with suspected COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction:

The use of a high-flow nasal cannula as an alternative treatment for acute respiratory failure can reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and the duration of hospital stays.

Objective:

The present study aimed to describe the use of a high-flow nasal cannula in pediatric asthmatic patients with acute respiratory failure and suspected COVID-19.

Methods:

To carry out this research, data were collected from medical records, including three patients with asthma diagnoses. The variables studied were: personal data (name, age in months, sex, weight, and color), clinical data (physical examination, PRAM score, respiratory rate, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation), diagnosis, history of the current disease, chest, and laboratory radiography (arterial blood gases and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). Clinical data were compared before and after using a high-flow nasal cannula.

Results:

After the application of the therapy, a gradual improvement in heart, respiratory rate, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, and the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure score was observed.

Conclusion:

The simple and quick use of a high-flow nasal cannula in pediatric patients with asthma can be safe and efficient in improving their respiratory condition and reducing the need for intubation.

Keywords:
Pediatrics; Oxygen therapy; Physiotherapy; Pediatric Intensive Care Units; Asthma