COVID-19 pneumonia successfully managed with high-flow nasal cannula in a 15-year-old boy

Gap van Gorp1, Pjlt Sanders2, D A van Waardenburg3

  • 1Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands giel.van.gorp@mumc.nl.

BMJ Case Reports
|April 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as effective respiratory support for a pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia patient. The 15-year-old fully recovered with HFNC therapy, demonstrating its success in managing severe respiratory distress.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • A fully immunized 15-year-old presented with severe respiratory symptoms suggestive of pneumonia.
  • The patient tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR, with CT findings consistent with viral pneumonia.

Observation:

  • Initial treatment included antibiotics and chloroquine.
  • Respiratory deterioration necessitated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) support.

Findings:

  • HFNC therapy led to a rapid decrease in respiratory rate and oxygen requirements.
  • The patient was successfully weaned off HFNC within 7 days.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the efficacy of HFNC as a respiratory support modality in pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia.
  • Early and appropriate respiratory support can lead to favorable outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients with COVID-19.

Related Concept Videos

Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula01:29

Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula

Oxygen therapy is critical to patient care, especially for those struggling with respiratory issues. This intervention increases the oxygen concentration in the lungs, enhancing the amount of oxygen transported to the body's tissues. One standard method of delivering supplemental oxygen is through a nasal cannula, a non-invasive device that provides low to medium oxygen concentrations.
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils,...
1.5K
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
2.9K
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
554
Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask01:26

Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask

The human body requires oxygen to function, and when the natural process of respiration is hindered, external devices, including the following, are needed to help deliver this vital gas.
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
911
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...
270
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management01:30

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management

Nursing management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is crucial for providing thorough care and support to patients. Nurses play an integral role in this process through detailed assessment, careful planning, targeted interventions, and ongoing evaluation. Here's an overview of the critical steps in nursing management for COPD.
Assessment
4.6K