Helmet-delivered continuous positive airway pressure with heliox in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

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J Mayordomo-Colunga1, A Medina, C Rey

  • 1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. jmcolunga@hotmail.com

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Helmet-delivered heliox-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) appears feasible and effective for infants with bronchiolitis. This method successfully resolved apneas in most infants, with no recorded side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants.
  • Severe cases may require respiratory support due to apneas or hypoxemia.
  • Heliox-CPAP is a potential non-invasive ventilation strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and efficacy of helmet-delivered heliox-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in infants with bronchiolitis.
  • To evaluate the impact of heliox-CPAP on respiratory distress and apneas in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving infants under 3 months with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.
  • Inclusion criteria included recurrent apneas, elevated PCO2, or low oxygen saturation.
  • Heliox-CPAP was delivered via a noninvasive ventilator and a helmet interface.

Main Results:

  • Eight infants were included in the study.
  • Five out of six infants with pre-existing apneas showed resolution after heliox-CPAP.
  • Two infants required escalation to pressure support ventilation, and one ultimately required intubation.
  • No adverse side effects were observed during the intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Helmet-delivered heliox-CPAP is a feasible and potentially effective non-invasive respiratory support method for infants with bronchiolitis.
  • The system demonstrated success in resolving apneas in a majority of treated infants.
  • Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm efficacy.
Abstract

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