Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Non-invasive ventilation practices in children across Europe
Juan Mayordomo-Colunga1, Martí Pons-Òdena2, Alberto Medina1
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
Objectives:
To describe the diversity in practice in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in European pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
Working Hypothesis:
No information about the use of NIV in Pediatrics across Europe is currently available, and there might be a wide variability regarding the approach.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional electronic survey.
Methodology:
The survey was distributed to the ESPNIC mailing list and to researchers in different European centers.
Results:
One hundred one units from 23 countries participated. All respondent units used NIV. Almost all PICUs considered NIV as initial respiratory support (99.1%), after extubation (95.5% prophylactically, 99.1% therapeutically), and 77.5% as part of palliative care. Overall NIV use outside the PICUs was 15.5% on the ward, 20% in the emergency department, and 36.4% during transport. Regarding respiratory failure cause, NIV was delivered in pneumonia (97.3%), bronchiolitis (94.6%), bronchospasm (75.2%), acute pulmonary edema (84.1%), upper airway obstruction (76.1%), and in acute respiratory distress syndrome (91% if mild, 53.1% if moderate, and 5.3% if severe). NIV use in asthma was less frequent in Northern European units in comparison to Central and Southern European PICUs (P = 0.007). Only 47.7% of the participants had a written protocol about NIV use. Bilevel NIV was applied mostly through an oronasal mask (44.4%), and continuous positive airway pressure through nasal cannulae (39.8%). If bilevel NIV was required, 62.3% reported choosing pressure support (vs assisted pressure-controlled ventilation) in infants; and 74.5% in older children.
Conclusions:
The present study shows that NIV is a widespread technique in European PICUs. Practice across Europe is variable.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings