Continuous positive airway pressure in managing acute respiratory distress in children in district hospitals: evidence for scale-up.

Frank Baiden,Patrick T Wilson

doi:10.4314/gmj.v55i3.7

Abstract

None declared.

Highlights

In the emergency management of acute respiratory distress in children, there is a critical need to effectively deliver sufficient oxygen and provide respiratory support to decrease energy expenditure secondary to increased work of breathing
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an alternative form of non-invasive respiratory support that has been used in high-income countries for over four decades
Controlled trials in Ghana have shown that the use of CPAP in children younger aged 1-12 months reduces 2-week all-cause mortality from acute respiratory distress (ARD) by 60% (RR 0·40, 0·19–0·82; p=0·01)

Summary

Introduction

In the emergency management of acute respiratory distress in children, there is a critical need to effectively deliver sufficient oxygen and provide respiratory support to decrease energy expenditure secondary to increased work of breathing. Acute respiratory distress (ARD) is a clinical presentation requiring emergency management, including mechanical ventilation. Controlled trials in Ghana have shown that the use of CPAP in children younger aged 1-12 months reduces 2-week all-cause mortality from ARD by 60% (RR 0·40, 0·19–0·82; p=0·01).

Results

Conclusion