P162 Heated humidified high flow nasal cannula versus continuous positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea in children: the patients’ perspective

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Approximately 30% of otherwise healthy children will have residual obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after first line therapy with adenotonsillectomy (AT) with lower success rates in children with risk factors. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often the next treatment option and, whilst highly effective therapy, can be challenging to sustain in children. A pilot study is underway at our centre to evaluate the efficacy of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) compared to CPAP in children with residual OSA. A secondary aim of this study is to determine which therapy (HFNC versus CPAP) the patients prefer. This abstract will report preliminary findings. Methods Children under 18 years old identified as requiring a CPAP trial for residual OSA management were invited to undergo an additional polysomnography, where they underwent a trial of HFNC overnight, which was undertaken in a similar manner to the CPAP trial. Participants and caregivers completed a questionnaire regarding comfort level following both the HFNC and CPAP titration nights. Results 11 participants (4 males) between 4 months and 15 years old have completed the study to date. Using an 11-point Likert scale, the average reported comfort level grading for HFNC was 1.5 points higher than CPAP. Discussion This preliminary data suggests that on average caregivers and participants found HFNC more comfortable than CPAP. Alternative therapies such as HFNC may be effective in managing OSA and may be better tolerated in children non-adherent to CPAP.