Non-invasive respiratory support for infants with bronchiolitis: a national survey of practice

Efficay of high-flow nasal cannula in the paediatric population: A systematic evidence map

PROBLEM

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been widely used in paediatric medicine as a non-invasive ventilation mode for respiratory support. However, the differences in its efficacy across different diseases and intervention types remain poorly understood.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

An extensive literature search was performed across multiple academic databases to investigate the systematic reviews and meta-analyses of HFNC.

SAMPLE

This study included 35 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which collectively examined 355 randomised controlled trials and assessed 51 outcome indicators.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that the existing clinical research evidence predominantly supports the therapeutic efficacy of HFNC. Notably, there is a significant focus on treating acute lower respiratory infection, hypoxaemia, bronchiolitis, and respiratory distress syndrome following extubation. However, concerning the respiratory status, the existing clinical research evidence mainly demonstrates the therapeutic benefits in post-extubation respiratory support and primary respiratory support.

CONCLUSIONS

The research on HFNC has witnessed significant expansion, primarily focusing on respiratory disorders, post-extubation respiratory support, conscious sedation, and related fields. The evidence mapping provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of the available evidence on HFNC therapy in paediatric patients.

IMPLICATIONS

This study systematically and comprehensively assessed the clinical subjects and populations involved in HFNC therapy. Notably, this study analyzed the trends, current status, and evidence gaps of research, and furnished decision-makers and relevant researchers with a more comprehensive reference basis.

Nasal CPAP in the Pediatric Ward to Reduce PICU Admissions for Severe Bronchiolitis?

In treating acute bronchiolitis in infants, the decision to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often involves infant referral from the pediatric ward to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We present our experience of CPAP use in a general pediatric ward, aiming to reduce the pressure on the PICU in recent outbreaks of bronchiolitis. Clinical data of patients less than 12 months of age and admitted for bronchiolitis from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2023 were retrospectively collected. Of 82 infants admitted for bronchiolitis, 16 (19%) were treated with nasal CPAP (nCPAP group); of the remaining 66, 21 (26%) were treated with a low-flow nasal cannula (LFNC) only, 1 (1%) was also treated a with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), 12 (15%) were treated with an HFNC only, and 41 (50%) were treated without oxygen support (no-nCPAP group). Overall, coinfection with RSV and SARS-CoV-2 was observed in three patients and SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in two patients. None of them required any type of oxygen support. Only 3/16 (19%) infants in the nCPAP group were referred to the PICU due to worsening clinical conditions despite nCPAP support. In our experience of treating epidemic bronchiolitis, nCPAP can be safely managed in a general pediatric ward, thus reducing the burden of admissions to the PICU. Training and regular updating of the pediatric staff, careful monitoring of the patient, and close cooperation with the PICU were instrumental for our team.

Outcome of Noninvasive Respiratory Support in Pediatric High-Dependency Units for Acute Respiratory Distress

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) is widely used in pediatric ICUs (PICUs). However, there is limited experience regarding the utilization of NRS in non-PICU settings. We aimed to evaluate the success rate of NRS in pediatric high-dependency units (PHDUs), identify predictors of NRS failure, quantify adverse events, and assess outcomes.

METHODS

We included infants and children (> 7 d to < 13 y old) admitted to PHDU in 2 tertiary hospitals for acute respiratory distress over a 19-month period. Collected data included diagnosis, type and duration of NRS, adverse events, and the need for PICU transfer or invasive ventilation.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-nine children were included, with a median age of 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-25) months and a median weight of 6.1 (IQR 4.3-10.5) kg. Bronchiolitis (37.5%), pneumonia (34.1%), and asthma (12.7%) were the most frequent diagnoses. Median NRS duration was 2 (IQR 1-3) d. At baseline, median SpO2 was 96% (IQR 90-99); median pH was 7.36 (IQR 7.31-7.41), and median PCO2 was 44 (IQR 36-53) mm Hg. Overall, 234 (78.3%) children were successfully managed in PHDU, whereas 65 (21.7%) required transfer to PICU. Thirty-eight (12.7%) needed invasive ventilation on a median time of 43.5 (IQR 13.5-108.0) h. On multivariable analysis, maximum FIO2 > 0.5 (odds ratio 4.49 [95% CI 1.36-14.9], P = .01) and PEEP > 7 cm H2O (odds ratio 3.37 [95% CI 1.49-7.61], P = .004) were predictors for NRS failure. Significant apnea, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and air leak syndrome were reported in 0.3, 0.7, and 0.7% children, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, we found NRS in PHDU safe and effective; however, maximum FIO2 > 0.5 post treatment and PEEP > 7 cm H2O were associated with NRS failure.

Randomized Trial of Weight-Based Versus Fixed Limit High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used to treat bronchiolitis. Although lower HFNC rates (≤8 L per minute) are commonly employed, higher weight-based flows more effectively alleviate dyspnea. The impact of higher flows on the need for care escalation is unclear.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was performed in a community hospital inpatient pediatric unit. Patients with bronchiolitis on HFNC were randomized to an existing "standard" HFNC protocol (max flow of 8 L per minute), or to a novel weight-based protocol (max flow of 2 L/kg per minute). Weaning of HFNC for the patients in the standard arm was left to provider discretion but was prescribed in the weight-based arm. The primary outcome was interhospital transfer to a PICU. The study was powered to detect a 35% difference in transfer rate.

RESULTS

51 patients were randomized to the weight-based or standard HFNC arms. The interhospital PICU transfer rate did not differ significantly between the standard (41.7%) and weight-based arms (51.9%) P = .47. Hospital length of stay was significantly shorter in the weight-based arm with protocolized weaning (45 h [interquartile range 42.1-63.3] versus 77.6 h [interquartile range 47.3-113.4]); P = .01. There were no significant adverse events in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight-based provision of HFNC did not significantly impact the number of patients with bronchiolitis requiring interhospital transfer from a community hospital to a PICU, though we were underpowered for this outcome. Patients who received weight-based flow with protocolized weaning had a shorter length of stay, which may reflect a clinical impact of weight-based flow or the efficacy of the aggressive weaning pathway.

Efficacy of prophylactic high-flow nasal cannula therapy for postoperative pulmonary complications after pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective single-arm study

PURPOSE

This study investigated the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) when high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) is used prophylactically after pediatric cardiac surgery, and evaluated its efficacy.

METHODS

This was a single-arm prospective interventional study that was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital with eight beds in the pediatric cardiac ICU after approval by the Ethics Committee. One-hundred children under the age of 48 months who were scheduled for cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease were recruited. HFNC was used for 24 h after extubation at a 2 L/kg/min flow rate. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPC within 48 h after extubation. PPC was defined as atelectasis and acute respiratory failure meeting certain criteria. We considered prophylactic HFNC as effective if the prevalence of PPC was < 10%, based on previous reports of reintubation rates of 6%-9% after pediatric cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were finally included in the analysis. The incidence of PPC within 48 h after extubation was 18.7%, whereas atelectasis was observed in 13.2%, and acute respiratory failure in 8.8%. Reintubation rate within 48 h after extubation was 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found the incidence of PPC with prophylactic HFNC after planned extubation after pediatric cardiac surgery. However, the incidence was > 10%; therefore, we could not demonstrate its efficacy in this single-arm study. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the HFNC could be adapted as first-line oxygen therapy after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Protocol-Driven Initiation and Weaning of High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Patients With Bronchiolitis: A Quality Improvement Initiative

OBJECTIVES

Bronchiolitis is the most common cause for nonelective infant hospitalization in the United States with increasing utilization of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). We standardized initiation and weaning of HFNC for bronchiolitis and quantified the impact on outcomes. Our specific aim was to reduce hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS) by 10% between two bronchiolitis seasons after implementation.

DESIGN

A quality improvement (QI) project using statistical process control methodology.

SETTING

Tertiary-care children's hospital with 24 PICU and 48 acute care pediatric beds.

PATIENTS

Children less than 24 months old with bronchiolitis without other respiratory diagnoses or underlying cardiac, respiratory, or neuromuscular disorders between December 2017 and November 2018 (baseline), and December 2018 and February 2020 (postintervention).

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions included development of an HFNC protocol with initiation and weaning guidelines, modification of protocol and respiratory assessment classification, education, and QI rounds with a focus on efficient HFNC weaning, transfer, and/or discharge.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 223 children were included (96 baseline and 127 postintervention). The primary outcome metric, average LOS per patient, decreased from 4.0 to 2.8 days, and the average ICU LOS per patient decreased from 2.8 to 1.9 days. The secondary outcome metric, average HFNC treatment hours per patient, decreased from 44.0 to 36.3 hours. The primary and secondary outcomes met criteria for special cause variation. Balancing measures included ICU readmission rates, 30-day readmission rates, and adverse events, which were not different between the two periods.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized protocol for HFNC management for patients with bronchiolitis was associated with decreased hospital and ICU LOS, less time on HFNC, and no difference in readmissions or adverse events.

Commentary on the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children Trials on Noninvasive Respiratory Support: Taking a Closer Look

Noninvasive respiratory support modalities such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are used frequently in pediatric critical care to support acutely ill children with respiratory failure (step-up management) and children following extubation (step-down management). Although there are several observational studies and database analyses comparing the efficacy of HFNC and CPAP, and a few small randomized clinical trials (RCTs), until recently, there were no large RCTs comparing the two modalities in a mixed group of critically ill children. In the first half of 2022, results from the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC) trials were published; these comprised a master protocol of two trials: one in acutely ill children (step-up RCT) and one in extubated children (step-down RCT). Each of these pragmatic trials randomized 600 children to either HFNC or CPAP when the treating clinician decided that noninvasive respiratory support beyond standard oxygen therapy was required. The primary outcome was time to liberation from all forms of respiratory support (invasive and noninvasive), excluding supplemental oxygen. The FIRST-ABC trials represent a significant advance in the field of noninvasive respiratory support, which has traditionally been evidence-poor and associated with considerable variability in clinical practice. In this article, we provide an overview of how the FIRST-ABC trials were conceived and conducted, our view on the results, and how the trial findings have changed our clinical practice.

Closed–loop oxygen control improves oxygenation in pediatric patients under high–flow nasal oxygen—A randomized crossover study

Background

We assessed the effect of a closed–loop oxygen control system in pediatric patients receiving high–flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO).

Methods

A multicentre, single–blinded, randomized, and cross–over study. Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years of age receiving HFNO for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) were randomly assigned to start with a 2–h period of closed–loop oxygen control or a 2–h period of manual oxygen titrations, after which the patient switched to the alternative therapy. The endpoints were the percentage of time spent in predefined SpO2 ranges (primary), FiO2, SpO2/FiO2, and the number of manual adjustments.

Findings

We included 23 patients, aged a median of 18 (3–26) months. Patients spent more time in a predefined optimal SpO2 range when the closed–loop oxygen controller was activated compared to manual oxygen titrations [91⋅3% (IQR 78⋅4–95⋅1%) vs. 63⋅0% (IQR 44⋅4–70⋅7%)], mean difference [28⋅2% (95%–CI 20⋅6–37⋅8%); P &lt; 0.001]. Median FiO2 was lower [33⋅3% (IQR 26⋅6–44⋅6%) vs. 42⋅6% (IQR 33⋅6–49⋅9%); P = 0.07], but median SpO2/FiO2 was higher [289 (IQR 207–348) vs. 194 (IQR 98–317); P = 0.023] with closed–loop oxygen control. The median number of manual adjustments was lower with closed–loop oxygen control [0⋅0 (IQR 0⋅0–0⋅0) vs. 0⋅5 (IQR 0⋅0–1⋅0); P &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion

Closed-loop oxygen control improves oxygenation therapy in pediatric patients receiving HFNO for AHRF and potentially leads to more efficient oxygen use. It reduces the number of manual adjustments, which may translate into decreased workloads of healthcare providers.

Clinical trial registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT 05032365].

RSV disease in infants and young children: Can we see a brighter future?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious seasonal virus and the leading cause of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI), including pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children. RSV-related LRTI cause approximately 3 million hospitalizations and 120,000 deaths annually among children <5 years of age. The majority of the burden of RSV occurs in previously healthy infants. Only a monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been approved against RSV infections in a restricted group, leaving an urgent unmet need for a large number of children potentially benefiting from preventive measures. Approaches under development include maternal vaccines to protect newborns, extended half-life monoclonal antibodies to provide rapid long-lasting protection, and pediatric vaccines. RSV has been identified as a major global priority but a solution to tackle this unmet need for all children has yet to be implemented. New technologies represent the avenue for effectively addressing the leading-cause of hospitalization in children <1 years old.

Safety and effectiveness of bubble continuous positive airway pressure as respiratory support for bronchiolitis in a pediatric ward

The results of several clinical trials suggest that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute bronchiolitis can be more effective than high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The use of HFNC involved a minimum reduction (5%) in admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in our hospital. Our main aim was to evaluate its safety and effectiveness as respiratory support for patients with bronchiolitis in a pediatric general ward. A secondary goal was to compare the admissions to PICU and the invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) rate of patients treated with HFNC and those treated with HFNC/b-CPAP during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 epidemic seasons, respectively. Two prospective single-centre observational studies were performed. For the main aim, a cohort study (CS1) was carried out from 1st of November 2019 to 15th of January 2020. Inclusion criteria were children aged up to 3 months with bronchiolitis treated with b-CPAP support when HFNC failed. Epidemiological and clinical parameters were collected before and 60 min after the onset of CPAP and compared between the responder (R) and non-responders (NR) groups. NR was the group that required PICU admission. One hundred fifty-eight patients were admitted to the ward with bronchiolitis and HFNC. Fifty-seven out of one hundred fifty-eight required b-CPAP. No adverse events were observed. Thirty-two out of fifty-seven remained in the general ward (R-group), and 25/57 were admitted to PICU (NR-group). There were statistically significant differences in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) between both groups before and after the initiation of b-CPAP, but the multivariable models showed that the main differences were observed after 60 min of therapy (lower HR, RR, BROSJOD score and FiO2 in the R-group). For the secondary aim, another cohort study (CS2) was performed comparing data from a pre-b-CPAP bronchiolitis season (1st of November 2018 to 15th January 2019) and the b-CPAP season (2019-2020). Inclusion criteria in pre-b-CPAP season were children aged up to 3 months admitted to the same general ward with moderate-severe bronchiolitis and with HFNC support. Admissions to PICU during the CPAP season were significantly reduced, without entailing an increase in the rate of IMV.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of b-CPAP for patients with bronchiolitis in a pediatric ward, in whom HFNC fails, is safe and effective and results in a reduction in PICU admissions.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent respiratory infections in children and one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants. • Several studies suggest that the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute bronchiolitis can be more effective than the high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy used in patients admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with progressive moderate-severe bronchiolitis. There is little experience in the literature on the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute bronchiolitis in a general ward.

WHAT IS NEW

• CPAP could be safely and effectively used as respiratory support in young infants with moderate-severe bronchiolitis in a general ward and it reduced the rate of patients who required PICU admission. • Patients' heart and respiratory rate and their FiO2 needs in the first 60 minutes may help to decide whether or not to continue the CPAP therapy in a general ward.

Predicting Failure of Non-Invasive Ventilation With RAM Cannula in Bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION

In infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) via the RAM cannula nasal interface, variables predicting subsequent intubation, or NIV non-response, are understudied. We sought to identify predictors of NIV non-response.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in infants admitted for respiratory failure from bronchiolitis placed on NIV in a quaternary children's hospital. We excluded children with concurrent sepsis, critical congenital heart disease, or with preexisting tracheostomy. The primary outcome was NIV non-response defined as intubation after a trial of NIV. Secondary outcomes were vital sign values before and after NIV initiation, duration of NIV and intubation, and mortality. Primary analyses included Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, student's t test, paired analyses, and adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression assessing heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) before and after NIV initiation.

RESULTS

Of 138 infants studied, 34% were non-responders. There were no differences in baseline characteristics of responders and non-responders. HR decreased after NIV initiation in responders (156 [143-156] to149 [141-158], p < 0.01) compared to non-responders (158 [149-166] to 158 [145-171], p = 0.73). RR decreased in responders (50 [43-58] vs 47 [41-54]) and non-responders (52 [48-58] vs 51 [40-55], both p < 0.01). Concurrent bacterial pneumonia (OR 6.06, 95% CI: 2.54-14.51) and persistently elevated HR (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) were associated with NIV non-response.

CONCLUSION

In children with acute bronchiolitis who fail to respond to NIV and require subsequent intubation, we noted associations with persistently elevated HR after NIV initiation and concurrent bacterial pneumonia.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Use Outside of the ICU Setting

OBJECTIVES

To describe the practice of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in the pediatric ward setting across North America.

METHODS

A survey was distributed through the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network, which represents 114 hospital sites. Questions included indication for HFNC use, flow and oxygen parameters, guideline availability, and use of outcomes measures.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 68% to the survey from sites representing all regions from the United States. Thirty-seven sites (48%) used HFNC in the pediatric ward setting. All 37 sites used HFNC for patients with bronchiolitis. All children's hospital sites providing HFNC on the wards had an on-site ICU, compared with only 60% of non-children's hospital sites (P = .003). Seventy-six percent of sites used local protocols, including parameters for patient assessment, initiation, weaning, and feeding practices.

CONCLUSIONS

HFNC is used outside the ICU in nearly 50% of responding hospitals, with variation related to flow rate, feeding, and protocol use. HFNC is used for management of acute respiratory distress due to bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Study findings suggest that HFNC is often used by pediatric hospitalists, but its use across North American hospitals remains variable and based on local consensus.

Variability of Care of Infants With Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Viral bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common childhood disease accounting for many hospitalizations worldwide. Some infants may clinically deteriorate, requiring admission to an intensive care unit. We aimed to describe diagnostic and therapeutic measures of bronchiolitis in Israeli pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and evaluate intercenter variability of care.

METHODS

Medical records of all RSV-infected infants admitted to 5 Israeli PICUs over 4 RSV seasons were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Data on 276 infants with RSV-positive bronchiolitis, admitted to the participating PICUs were analyzed. Most of the infants were males with a mean admission age of 4.7 months. Approximately half of the infants had pre-existing conditions such as prematurity, cardiac disease or chronic lung disease. Respiratory distress was the most common symptom at presentation followed by hypoxemia and fever. There was significant variation in the methods used for RSV diagnosis, medical management and respiratory support of the infants. Furthermore, utilization of inhalational therapy and transfusion of blood products differed significantly between the centers. Although a bacterial pathogen was isolated in only 13.4% of the infants, 82.6% of the cohort was treated with antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variation was found between the different PICUs regarding RSV bronchiolitis diagnosis, medical management and respiratory support, which may not be accounted for by the differences in baseline and clinical characteristics of the infants. Some of these differences may be explained by uneven resource allocations. This diversity and the documented routine use of medications with weak evidence of efficacy calls for national guidelines for bronchiolitis management.

Variation in Practice Related to the Use of High Flow Nasal Cannula in Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVES

To determine current management of critically ill children and gather views regarding high flow nasal cannula therapy and to evaluate research priorities for a large prospective randomized controlled trial of noninvasive respiratory support in children.

DESIGN

Multinational cross-sectional questionnaire survey conducted in 2018.

SETTING

The sample included pediatric intensive care physicians in North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand.

MEASUREMENT

Questions consisted of: 1) characteristics of intensivists and hospital, 2) practice of high flow nasal cannula, 3) supportive treatment, and 4) research of high flow nasal cannula.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN RESULTS

We collected data from 1,031 respondents; 919 (North America, 215; Australia/New Zealand, 34; Asia, 203; South America, 186; Europe, 281) were analyzed. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents used high flow nasal cannula in non-PICU settings in their institutions. For a case of bronchiolitis/pneumonia infant, 2 L/kg/min of initial flow rate was the most commonly used. For a scenario of pneumonia with 30 kg weight, more than 60% of the respondents initiated flow based on patient body weight; while, 18% applied a fixed flow rate. Noninvasive ventilation was considered as a next step in more than 85% of respondents when the patient is failing with high flow nasal cannula. Significant practice variations were observed in clinical practice markers used, flow weaning strategy, and supportive practices. Views comparing high flow nasal cannula to continuous positive airway pressure also noticeably varied across the respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant practice variations including views of high flow nasal cannula compared to continuous positive airway pressure was found among pediatric intensive care physicians. To expedite establishment and standardization of high flow nasal cannula practice, research aimed at understanding the heterogeneity found in this study should be undertaken.

A nationwide survey on the use of heated humidified high flow oxygen therapy on the paediatric wards in the UK: current practice and research priorities

Background

Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HHFNC) is increasingly used on the paediatric wards and High Dependency Units (HDU) for different types of pathologies and different age groups. We aimed to describe current practice related to the use of HHFNC on the paediatric wards and HDUs, weaning practices and preferred outcome measures for future research.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional online survey of UK paediatric consultants or their delegates working on the paediatric wards. Descriptive analysis of their geographical, and organizational characteristics, their specialties, and their level of experience was investigated. Reasons for HHFNC initiation, weaning criteria, patients’ characteristics and their primary pathologies were also analysed.

Results

Participation of 218 paediatricians from 81 hospitals (Median: 2.7, Range: 1–11) was registered. HHFNC was provided in most of the surveyed hospitals (93%, 75/81). A High Dependency Unit (HDU) was available in 47 hospitals (58%); less than a third of those have a dedicated paediatrician. Decisions around HHFNC were made solely by paediatricians in (75%) of the cases, mostly at hospitals with no HDU compared to those with dedicated HDUs (70.3% VS 36.6, 95%CI:22.6–50.4%, P < .001). HHFNC was reported by nearly two-thirds (68%) of the practitioners who used it on the wards to be as effective or superior to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) with fewer complications. Failure rate while on HHFNC was identified as the most important outcome measure in any future research followed by the length of need for HHFNC support (37.1, and 28% respectively).

Conclusion

This survey showed support for developing paediatric-specific national guidance on the use of HHFNC on the wards. Our list of defined research priorities may help guide further collaborative research efforts in this field.

Restricted fluid bolus versus current practice in children with septic shock: the FiSh feasibility study and pilot RCT

BACKGROUND

There has been no randomised controlled trial (RCT) of fluid bolus therapy in paediatric sepsis in the developed world despite evidence that excess fluid may be associated with harm.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of the Fluids in Shock (FiSh) trial - a RCT comparing restricted fluid bolus (10 ml/kg) with current practice (20 ml/kg) in children with septic shock in the UK.

DESIGN

(1) Qualitative feasibility study exploring parents' views about the pilot RCT. (2) Pilot RCT over a 9-month period, including integrated parental and staff perspectives study.

SETTING

(1) Recruitment took place across four NHS hospitals in England and on social media. (2) Recruitment took place across 13 NHS hospitals in England.

PARTICIPANTS

(1) Parents of children admitted to a UK hospital with presumed septic shock in the previous 3 years. (2) Children presenting to an emergency department with clinical suspicion of infection and shock after 20 ml/kg of fluid. Exclusion criteria were receipt of > 20 ml/kg of fluid, conditions requiring fluid restriction and the patient not for full active treatment (i.e. palliative care plan in place). Site staff and parents of children in the pilot were recruited to the perspectives study.

INTERVENTIONS

(1) None. (2) Children were randomly allocated (1 : 1) to 10- or 20-ml/kg fluid boluses every 15 minutes for 4 hours if in shock.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Acceptability of FiSh trial, proposed consent model and potential outcome measures. (2) Outcomes were based on progression criteria, including recruitment and retention rates, protocol adherence and separation between the groups, and collection and distribution of potential outcome measures.

RESULTS

(1) Twenty-one parents were interviewed. All would have consented for the pilot study. (2) Seventy-five children were randomised, 40 to the 10-ml/kg fluid bolus group and 35 to the 20-ml/kg fluid bolus group. Two children were withdrawn. Although the anticipated recruitment rate was achieved, there was variability across the sites. Fifty-nine per cent of children in the 10-ml/kg fluid bolus group and 74% in the 20-ml/kg fluid bolus group required only a single trial bolus before shock resolved. The volume of fluid (in ml/kg) was 35% lower in the first hour and 44% lower over the 4-hour period in the 10-ml/kg fluid bolus group. Fluid boluses were delivered per protocol (volume and timing) for 79% of participants in the 10-ml/kg fluid bolus group and for 55% in the 20-ml/kg fluid bolus group, mainly as a result of delivery not being completed within 15 minutes. There were no deaths. Length of hospital stay, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfers, and days alive and PICU free did not differ significantly between the groups. Two adverse events were reported in each group. A questionnaire was completed by 45 parents, 20 families and seven staff were interviewed and 20 staff participated in focus groups. Although a minority of site staff lacked equipoise in favour of more restricted boluses, all supported the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though a successful feasibility and pilot RCT were conducted, participants were not as unwell as expected. A larger trial is not feasible in its current design in the UK.

FUTURE WORK

Further observational work is required to determine the epidemiology of severe childhood infection in the UK in the postvaccine era.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15244462.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 51. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Patterns of Use of Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in PICUs in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

OBJECTIVES

To 1) describe patterns of use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy, 2) examine differences between patients started on high-flow nasal cannula and those started on noninvasive ventilation, and 3) explore whether patients who failed high-flow nasal cannula therapy were different from those who did not.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively by the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network.

SETTING

All PICUs in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (n = 34).

PATIENTS

Admissions to study PICUs (2015-2016) receiving any form of respiratory support at any time during PICU stay.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Eligible admissions were classified into nine groups based on the combination of the first-line and second-line respiratory support modes. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to test the association between PICU and patient characteristics and two outcomes: 1) use of high-flow nasal cannula versus noninvasive ventilation as first-line mode and 2) high-flow nasal cannula failure, requiring escalation to noninvasive ventilation and/or invasive ventilation. We analyzed data from 26,423 admissions; high-flow nasal cannula was used in 5,951 (22.5%) at some point during the PICU stay. High-flow nasal cannula was used for first-line support in 2,080 (7.9%) and postextubation support in 978 admissions (4.5% of patients extubated after first-line invasive ventilation). High-flow nasal cannula failure occurred in 559 of 2,080 admissions (26.9%) when used for first-line support. Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that PICU characteristics as well as patient age, primary diagnostic group, and admission type had a significant influence on the choice of first-line mode (high-flow nasal cannula or noninvasive ventilation). Younger age, unplanned admission, and higher admission severity of illness were independent predictors of high-flow nasal cannula failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of high-flow nasal cannula is common in PICUs in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Variation in the choice of first-line respiratory support mode (high-flow nasal cannula or noninvasive ventilation) between PICUs reflects the need for clinical trial evidence to guide future practice.

Overview of prevention and management of acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of Acute Bronchiolitis (AVB) in infants. AVB causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, most deaths occurring in the developing world. AVB causes respiratory distress in infants, leading to respiratory failure in some cases. Disease is more severe in infants with risk factors, such as prematurity, chronic cardiac and lung disease and immunodeficiency. Areas covered: Despite major advances in supportive care in the developed world, which has led to a significant reduction in mortality, treatment remains symptomatic and supportive. No specific antiviral treatment has yet proven to be effective. Prevention of disease with monoclonal antibodies has proven to reduce illness severity in those with risk factors, however, this is prohibitively expensive, particularly for the developing world. Prospects for vaccine development are improving. However, because most disease is in young infants, maternal immunization is necessary. However, due to the transient nature of RSV immunity and the circulation of multiple subtypes, vaccines proven to be effective in adult challenge models have yet to be translated to protection in infants. Expert commentary: Despite advances in preventative treatments, adherence to evidence-based guidelines provides the best prospect for successful reduction in morbidity and mortality.

FIRST-line support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC): a multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial of high-flow nasal cannula therapy versus continuous positive airway pressure in paediatric critical care

BACKGROUND

Although high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) has become a popular mode of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in critically ill children, there are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We performed a pilot RCT to explore the feasibility, and inform the design and conduct, of a future large pragmatic RCT comparing HFNC and CPAP in paediatric critical care.

METHODS

In this multi-centre pilot RCT, eligible patients were recruited to either Group A (step-up NRS) or Group B (step-down NRS). Participants were randomised (1:1) using sealed opaque envelopes to either CPAP or HFNC as their first-line mode of NRS. Consent was sought after randomisation in emergency situations. The primary study outcomes were related to feasibility (number of eligible patients in each group, proportion of eligible patients randomised, consent rate, and measures of adherence to study algorithms). Data were collected on safety and a range of patient outcomes in order to inform the choice of a primary outcome measure for the future RCT.

RESULTS

Overall, 121/254 eligible patients (47.6%) were randomised (Group A 60%, Group B 44.2%) over a 10-month period (recruitment rate for Group A, 1 patient/site/month; Group B, 2.8 patients/site/month). In Group A, consent was obtained in 29/33 parents/guardians approached (87.9%), while in Group B 84/118 consented (71.2%). Intention-to-treat analysis included 113 patients (HFNC 59, CPAP 54). Most reported adverse events were mild/moderate (HFNC 8/59, CPAP 9/54). More patients switched treatment from HFNC to CPAP (Group A: 7/16, 44%; Group B: 9/43, 21%) than from CPAP to HFNC (Group A: 3/13, 23%; Group B: 5/41, 12%). Intubation occurred within 72 h in 15/59 (25.4%) of HFNC patients and 10/54 (18.5%) of CPAP patients (p = 0.38). HFNC patients experienced fewer ventilator-free days at day 28 (Group A: 19.6 vs. 23.5; Group B: 21.8 vs. 22.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot trial confirms that, following minor changes to consent procedures and treatment algorithms, it is feasible to conduct a large national RCT of non-invasive respiratory support in the paediatric critical care setting in both step-up and step-down NRS patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02612415 . Registered on 23 November 2015.

FIRST-line support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC): protocol for a multicentre randomised feasibility trial of non-invasive respiratory support in critically ill children

INTRODUCTION

Over 18 000 children are admitted annually to UK paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), of whom nearly 75% receive respiratory support (invasive and/or non-invasive). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has traditionally been used to provide first-line non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in PICUs; however, high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC), a novel mode of NRS, has recently gained popularity despite the lack of high-quality trial evidence to support its effectiveness. This feasibility study aims to inform the design and conduct of a future definitive randomised clinical trial (RCT) comparing the two modes of respiratory support.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a three-centre randomised feasibility study over 12 months. Patients admitted to participating PICUs who satisfy eligibility criteria will be recruited to either group A (primary respiratory failure) or group B (postextubation). Consent will be obtained from parents/guardians prior to randomisation in 'planned' group B, and deferred in emergency situations (group A and 'rescue' group B). Participants will be randomised (1:1) to either CPAP or HFNC using sealed, opaque envelopes, from a computer-generated randomisation sequence with variable block sizes. The study protocol specifies algorithms for the initiation, maintenance and weaning of HFNC and CPAP. The primary outcomes are related to feasibility, including the number of eligible patients in each group, feasibility of randomising >50% of eligible patients and measures of adherence to the treatment protocols. Data will also be collected on patient outcomes (eg, mortality and length of PICU stay) to inform the selection of an appropriate outcome measure in a future RCT. We aim to recruit 120 patients to the study.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was granted by the National Research Ethics Service Committee North East-Tyne&Wear South (15/NE/0296). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences.

TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02612415; pre-results.