Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats
04:27

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats

Published on: May 4, 2020

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure with heliox in infants with acute bronchiolitis

Federico Martinón-Torres1, Antonio Rodríguez-Núñez, Jose María Martinón-Sánchez

  • 1Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care Division, Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, A Choupana s.n. 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. fedemartinon@moviestar.com

Respiratory Medicine
|January 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Heliox combined with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (Hx-nCPAP) offers a safe, non-invasive rescue treatment for infants with severe acute bronchiolitis, improving respiratory status and reducing the need for intubation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Acute bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection in infants.
  • Refractory cases may require advanced respiratory support.
  • Heliox therapy and CPAP are established treatments, but their combination is less studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of heliox combined with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (Hx-nCPAP) as a rescue therapy.
  • To assess the impact of Hx-nCPAP on clinical scores, gas exchange, and respiratory rate in infants with refractory acute bronchiolitis.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 15 infants with severe acute bronchiolitis.
  • Hx-nCPAP was administered as a rescue treatment to patients not responding to standard therapy.
  • Clinical scores, PCO2, respiratory rate, and SaO2 were monitored before and during Hx-nCPAP treatment.

Main Results:

  • Hx-nCPAP significantly improved clinical scores, decreased respiratory rate, and enhanced CO2 elimination within 1 hour.
  • Mean clinical score decreased by 3.5 points, PCO2 by 25 mmHg, and RR by 30 rpm over 48 hours.
  • Only one patient required endotracheal intubation, with no adverse effects reported.

Conclusions:

  • Hx-nCPAP is a safe and effective non-invasive rescue treatment for infants with refractory acute bronchiolitis.
  • This combination therapy can rapidly improve respiratory parameters and potentially reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.

Related Concept Videos

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include: