Abstract
Background and Aims: High flow (HF) nasal therapydelivers heated, humidified and blended oxygen/air via small calibre nasal cannulae at flow ratesof > 1L/min. Cold, non-humidified gases deliveredat HF rates may lead to significant dysfunction ofthe nasopharynx through drying and damage tothe nasal mucosa. We aimed to examine currentpractices of humidification of HF and low flow (LF)nasal oxygen therapy in UK neonatal units. Methods: Telephone questionnaire survey of all214 UK neonatal units in July-November 09. Results: Responses were obtained from 214 (100%)units. The Table summarises the data according todesignation level of the neonatal units: Table LF was defined as flow rates ≤1 L/min, HF as flowrates >1 L/min Level 1 units, special care; level 2 units, shorttermintensive care; level 3 units, full intensive andspecialised care. Conclusions: Wide variations exist in use of HFand LF oxygen therapy and humidification. MostUK units humidify HF oxygen, but fewer than halfof UK units humidify LF oxygen. Future studies areneeded to compare the incidence of nasopharyngealstaphylococcal colonisation/ infection in infantsreceiving humidified versus non-humidified HF andLF oxygen therapies.
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