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Heliox: a new treatment for life-threatening asthma
M G Browne-Heitschmidt1, J B Cassidy
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University of Chicago Children's Hospital, University of Chicago Hospitals, IL, USA.
Insights
Helium-oxygen mixtures (heliox) show promise in treating pediatric asthma emergencies. This study found heliox improved breathing and reduced symptoms in children with status asthmaticus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is rising in children, making it a common pediatric hospital diagnosis.
- Status asthmaticus in children presents significant respiratory challenges.
- Helium-oxygen mixtures (heliox) offer potential therapeutic benefits due to helium's low density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the efficacy of heliox in treating pediatric patients experiencing status asthmaticus.
- To evaluate the impact of heliox on respiratory mechanics and clinical symptoms in children with severe asthma.
Main Methods:
- A small-scale study was conducted at the University of Chicago Children's Hospital.
- Heliox was administered to pediatric patients diagnosed with status asthmaticus.
- Key clinical indicators including peak flow, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus were monitored.
Main Results:
- Heliox administration led to improvements in peak expiratory flow rates.
- Patients receiving heliox experienced reductions in perceived difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
- A decrease in pulsus paradoxus was observed, indicating improved respiratory status.
Conclusions:
- Heliox is a potentially effective treatment for pediatric status asthmaticus.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger pediatric populations.
- Heliox may help reduce work of breathing and improve outcomes in severe pediatric asthma cases.
Abstract:
Rates of asthma are increasing in adults and children. In some pediatric institutions, asthma is the most common admitting diagnosis. At University of Chicago Children's Hospital (UCCH), at the University of Chicago Hospitals, the use of helium-oxygen mixtures (heliox) has been explored for treatment of children in status asthmaticus. Helium has a low density, and therefore has an increased flow rate which results in less airway resistance, decreased work of breathing, minimized airway collapse, and less hyperinflation. Little research on heliox and asthma has been done with children. A small study of children with status asthmaticus at the University of Chicago Children's Hospital found heliox resulted in improved peak flow readings and reductions in dyspnea and pulsus paradoxus. Nursing care of the child receiving heliox includes the use of appropriate delivery devices; monitoring temperature and other potential side effects; educating the child and family; and regularly assessing the following: pulse oximetry readings, heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, and pulsus paradoxus.