Airway pressure release ventilation: a pediatric case series

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Mechanical Ventilation

Background:

• Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is a mechanical ventilation mode characterized by high continuous positive airway pressure with brief pressure releases.
• APRV theoretically supports lung protection and spontaneous breathing, with potential advantages over high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV).
• The application of APRV in pediatric patients remains limited.

Observation:

• This study presents the authors' experience utilizing APRV in a series of pediatric patients.
• The described method involves maintaining a high level of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with intermittent, brief pressure releases.
• Spontaneous breathing is permitted throughout the entire ventilatory cycle.

Findings:

• The authors report their clinical experience with APRV in pediatric cases.
• The study aims to elucidate the practical application and outcomes of APRV in this population.
• Detailed findings on patient response and efficacy are presented based on the authors' observations.

Implications:

• The findings may encourage wider consideration and adoption of APRV in pediatric respiratory care.
• This experience could inform future research on APRV's efficacy and safety in children.
• Understanding APRV's role can enhance lung-protective strategies for critically ill pediatric patients.