Respiratory Support Groups Research Articles

Noninvasive pressure-strain loop quantitative assessment of left ventricular function in anemic preterm infants with different modes of respiratory support

To investigate noninvasive pressure-strain loop (PSL) combined with two-dimensional speck tracking imaging and left ventricular pressure measurement in the evaluation of cardiac function changes in anemia of prematurity (AOP) with different modes of respiratory support, and to explore its value in detecting subclinical myocardial injury in preterm infants. This retrospective study included 79 preterm infants with anemia, according to different modes of respiratory support, who were divided into invasive respiratory support group (39 cases) and noninvasive respiratory support group (40 cases). A control group of 40 nonanemic preterm infants with matched age, sex, and gestational age were also included. Complete echocardiography was performed for each included infant. There are PSL parameters that used to evaluate cardiac function, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) among the three groups were compared. Compared with the control group, the value of GWI, GCW, and GWE were significantly lower and GWW was higher in the AOP groups (P < 0.05), and GWI, GCW and GWE were much significantly lower in the invasive respiratory support group than in the noninvasive respiratory support group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in GLS among the three groups (P > 0.05). Noninvasive PSL analysis can quantitatively assess myocardial work in AOP with different respiratory support, which is more sensitive than other conventional echocardiographic indices. This technique may provide a new method for monitoring subclinical myocardial injury with AOP.

Respiratory Support Effects over Time on Regional Lung Ventilation Assessed by Electrical Impedance Tomography in Premature Infants.

Background and objectives: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) frequently necessitates respiratory support. While non-invasive methods are typically the preferred approach, mechanical ventilation becomes necessary for patients with insufficient response. Our study aimed to compare two common respiratory support modes, volume-targeted mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), using electrical impedance tomography. Materials and Methods: Infants with very low birth weight and gestational ages of less than 32 weeks were eligible for inclusion in the study. All enrolled infants were beyond the transitional period (>72 h of age). The infants were divided into two groups: infants receiving invasive respiratory support through an endotracheal tube and infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support. We used electrical impedance tomography to assess end-expiratory lung impedance (EELZ), DeltaZ, heterogeneity, and regional ventilation distribution. Patients were evaluated at 0, 30, and 60 min after assuming the supine position to examine potential time-related effects. Results: Our study initially enrolled 97 infants, and the final analysis included a cohort of 72 infants. Ventilated infants exhibited significantly larger EELZ compared to their non-invasive counterparts (p = 0.026). DeltaZ was also greater in the invasive respiratory support group (p < 0.001). Heterogeneity was higher in the non-invasive group and did not change significantly over time. The non-invasive group demonstrated significantly greater ventilation in the dependent lung areas compared to intubated patients (p = 0.005). Regional distribution in the left lung was lower than in the right lung in both groups; however, this difference was significantly more pronounced in intubated patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that volume-targeted mechanical ventilation results in higher EELZ and DeltaZ compared to spontaneously breathing infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support. However, lung heterogeneity was lower during mechanical ventilation. Our study also reaffirmed that spontaneous breathing promotes greater involvement of the dependent lung compared to mechanical ventilation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in South Africa: Experience from a single centre in the private sector.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced, resource-intensive technology used in a limited capacity in South Africa (SA). Minimal data on the use of ECMO in SA are available. To describe the indications, early outcome and comorbidities of patients placed on ECMO in the highest-volume ECMO centre in SA. We performed a single-centre retrospective review of all adult patients supported with any form of ECMO from August 2016 to December 2018. Operative and clinical records were reviewed. The primary objective of this study was to review the outcome of patients placed on ECMO in the form of survival to hospital discharge. The secondary objectives were to identify population-specific comorbidities and indications for ECMO that could be associated with non-survival and to compare outcome with known risk scores in the form of the Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) and Survival After Venoarterial ECMO (SAVE) scores. One hundred and seven patients were identified. The primary indication for ECMO was respiratory support in 78 patients and cardiac support in 29 patients. Forty-seven patients were discharged from hospital, with a 44.0% overall survival rate. Gender (p=0.039), age (p=0.019) and hypertension (p=0.022) were associated with death in univariate logistic regression analysis. However, after adjusting for potential confounding in multivariate logistic regression analysis, the association was no longer significant. In the all respiratory support group, patients in risk class IV had better than predicted survival according to the RESP score, while risk classes I, II and III had worse than predicted survival. In the circulatory support group, all risk classes had worse than predicted survival according to the SAVE score. We report ECMO outcomes in SA for the first time. We identified very high mortality rates for patients transferred on ECMO from other facilities and for patients converted from venovenous ECMO to venoarterial ECMO. Although our outcomes were comparable in some of the risk classes, further external validation of the SAVE and RESP scores will be needed to compare our outcomes with these scores. What the study adds. We report on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes in South Africa for the first time. We identified a high mortality rate in patients transferred on ECMO from other facilities, and in patients converted from venovenous ECMO to venoarterial ECMO.Implications of the findings. Transferred patients had a high mortality rate. The reason for this should be further investigated and may highlight the need for possible protocols to assist with appropriate timing of patient transfers and possible earlier intervention or transfer.

Association of Monocyte Distribution Width with the Need for Respiratory Support in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

The monocyte distribution width (MDW), a novel inflammatory biomarker reflecting morphological changes in response to inflammation, has been shown to be useful in identifying COVID-19 infection or predicting death. However, data on the association with predicting the need for respiratory support are still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the association of MDW with the need for respiratory support in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 adult patients who presented at the outpatient department (OPD) or emergency department (ED) between May and August 2021 were enrolled. Respiratory support was defined as any one of the following: conventional oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen nasal cannula, noninvasive, or invasive mechanical ventilation. The performance of MDW was measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve. Of the 250 enrolled patients, 122 (48.8%) patients received respiratory support. The mean MDW was significantly higher in the respiratory support group: 27.2 ± 4.6 vs 23.6 ± 4.1 (p < 0.001). The MDW ≥ 25 had the best AuROC characteristics of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65-0.76). The MDW is a potential biomarker that may aid in identifying individuals at risk of requiring oxygen support in COVID-19 and can be easily implemented in clinical practice. Daorattanachai K, Hirunrut C, Pirompanich P, Weschawalit S, Srivilaithon W. Association of Monocyte Distribution Width with the Need for Respiratory Support in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(5):352-357.

Effect of Helmet Noninvasive Ventilation vs Usual Respiratory Support on Mortality Among Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Due to COVID-19

Helmet noninvasive ventilation has been used in patients with COVID-19 with the premise that helmet interface is more effective than mask interface in delivering prolonged treatments with high positive airway pressure, but data about its effectiveness are limited. To evaluate whether helmet noninvasive ventilation compared with usual respiratory support reduces mortality in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. This was a multicenter, pragmatic, randomized clinical trial that was conducted in 8 sites in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait between February 8, 2021, and November 16, 2021. Adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (n = 320) due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were included. The final follow-up date for the primary outcome was December 14, 2021. Patients were randomized to receive helmet noninvasive ventilation (n = 159) or usual respiratory support (n = 161), which included mask noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, and standard oxygen. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. There were 12 prespecified secondary outcomes, including endotracheal intubation, barotrauma, skin pressure injury, and serious adverse events. Among 322 patients who were randomized, 320 were included in the primary analysis, all of whom completed the trial. Median age was 58 years, and 187 were men (58.4%). Within 28 days, 43 of 159 patients (27.0%) died in the helmet noninvasive ventilation group compared with 42 of 161 (26.1%) in the usual respiratory support group (risk difference, 1.0% [95% CI, -8.7% to 10.6%]; relative risk, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.72-1.49]; P = .85). Within 28 days, 75 of 159 patients (47.2%) required endotracheal intubation in the helmet noninvasive ventilation group compared with 81 of 161 (50.3%) in the usual respiratory support group (risk difference, -3.1% [95% CI, -14.1% to 7.8%]; relative risk, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.75-1.17]). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in any of the prespecified secondary end points. Barotrauma occurred in 30 of 159 patients (18.9%) in the helmet noninvasive ventilation group and 25 of 161 (15.5%) in the usual respiratory support group. Skin pressure injury occurred in 5 of 159 patients (3.1%) in the helmet noninvasive ventilation group and 10 of 161 (6.2%) in the usual respiratory support group. There were 2 serious adverse events in the helmet noninvasive ventilation group and 1 in the usual respiratory support group. Results of this study suggest that helmet noninvasive ventilation did not significantly reduce 28-day mortality compared with usual respiratory support among patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. However, interpretation of the findings is limited by imprecision in the effect estimate, which does not exclude potentially clinically important benefit or harm. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04477668.

Hospital and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Nano-Preterm Infants Receiving Invasive vs Noninvasive Ventilation at Birth

Infants with gestational age between 22 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks (referred to as nano-preterm infants) are at very high risk of adverse outcomes. Noninvasive respiratory support at birth improves outcomes in infants born at 24 0/7 to 27 6/7 weeks' gestational age. Evidence is limited on whether similar benefits of non-invasive respiratory support at birth extend to nano-preterm infants. To evaluate the hypothesis that intubation at 10 minutes or earlier after birth is associated with a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death by 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) in nano-preterm infants. This observational cohort study included all nano-preterm infants at a level IV neonatal intensive care unit who were delivered from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2021. Infants receiving palliative or comfort care at birth were excluded. Infants were grouped based on first intubation attempt timing after birth (>10 minutes after birth and ≤10 minutes as noninvasive and invasive respiratory support at birth groups, respectively). The primary outcome was the composite outcome of BPD (physiological definition) or death by 36 weeks' PMA. All 230 consecutively born, eligible nano-preterm infants were included, of whom 88 (median [IQR] gestational age, 23.6 [23.4-23.7] weeks; 45 [51.1%] female; 54 [62.1%] Black) were in the noninvasive respiratory support at birth group and 142 (median [IQR] gestational age, 23.0 [22.4-23.3] weeks; 71 [50.0%] female; 94 [66.2%] Black) were in the invasive respiratory support at birth group. The incidence of BPD or death by 36 weeks' PMA did not differ between the noninvasive and invasive respiratory support groups (83 of 88 [94.3%] in the noninvasive group vs 129 of 142 [90.9%] in the invasive group; adjusted odds ratio, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.60-7.25; P = .24). Severe intraventricular hemorrhage or death by 36 weeks' PMA was lower in the invasive respiratory support at birth group (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.07-4.51; P = .03). This cohort study's findings suggest that noninvasive respiratory support in the first 10 minutes after birth is feasible but is not associated with a decrease in the risk of BPD or death compared with intubation and early surfactant delivery in nano-preterm infants.

Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Premature Constriction.

This study aimed to investigate the connections between the echocardiography indices of fetal ductus arteriosus premature constriction and newborn prognosis by analyzing 22 cases of spontaneous fetal ductus arteriosus premature constriction.An ultrasonic instrument was used to observe prenatal fetal heart state, combine clinical examination data and echocardiographic results after delivery, summarize the ultrasound manifestations and imaging characteristics, and analyze the prognosis of the fetus.In all cases, fetal ductus arteriosus premature constriction occurred in the third trimester of pregnancy (34 + 1 to 41 weeks), and no abnormality in extracardiac organs were observed. Seven neonates required respiratory support due to the accompanying severe tricuspid regurgitation. The remaining 15 neonates did not receive respiratory support, including 4 with severe tricuspid regurgitation, 5 with moderate regurgitation, and 6 with mild regurgitation. Significant differences were observed in the fetal right atrium size and tricuspid regurgitation severity between the neonatal respiratory support group and non-respiratory support group. Furthermore, there were statistical differences in the ductus arteriosus inner diameter and pulsation index between the two groups.The severity of fetal ductus arteriosus premature contraction accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation and right atrium enlargement can predict the immediate prognosis of the newborn and provide guidance for the clinical judgment of the timing of pregnancy termination.

A Simple Scoring System for Lung Transplant Waitlist Mortality Risk Factors

<h3>Purpose</h3> Current lung allocation score (LAS) waitlist mortality prediction models are complex and incorporate correlated predictors. This study identified and evaluated three multidimensional indices of correlated risk factors. This approach could enable more efficient use of risk factor information and improve dynamic models of end-stage lung disease and transplant outcomes. <h3>Methods</h3> We analyzed 2015-2020 data on U.S. lung transplant candidates on the waiting list, obtained from the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (N=13990). We used hierarchical clustering to identify distinct respiratory support groups based on supplemental oxygen device, rate and frequency of use; steroid use and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to derive indices of i) airway function (forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PCO₂]) and ii) oxygen function (partial pressures of oxygen (PO₂), PO₂/FiO₂ ratio, and mean pulmonary artery pressure). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to characterize relationships between the developed constructs and waitlist mortality (or removal) after adjusting for disease group, age and sex. <h3>Results</h3> Four respiratory support clusters were identified (see the panel labels in the <b>Figure</b>). Contours of predicted 6-month waitlist mortality risk are displayed for a sample 63-year-old patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the Figure. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [95% confidence interval] for 1-year predictions from the fitted Cox model was 0.75 [0.71, 0.79], which was marginally lower than that of the full LAS waitlist mortality model (AUC = 0.79 [0.75, 0.83]). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The three developed constructs of respiratory support, oxygen function and airway function distilled information in 11 correlated risk factors for waitlist mortality, facilitating interpretation of risk profiles without adversely impacting model accuracy. <h3>Funding</h3> NIH R01HL15375

Procalcitonin is associated with postnatal respiratory condition severity in preterm neonate.

Postnatal respiratory failure is common in preterm neonates and is difficult to distinguish from early-onset neonatal bacterial infection by clinical symptoms. Similar to C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) is used as a marker of bacterial infection. Recently, it has been reported that the serum PCT levels increase because of respiratory failure immediately after birth. However, there is insufficient information concerning the relationship between biological inflammation markers, such as PCT and CRP, and postnatal respiratory condition severity. Preterm neonates were classified according to the received respiratory management as follows: nonrespiratory support (NRS), respiratory support (RS), surfactant administration therapy (STA), and STA with nitric oxide inhalation therapy (NO). The median serum PCT and CRP levels at 12-36 h postnatally were compared among the four groups. Additionally, the median serum PCT and CRP levels in the STA group were compared by STA timing and STA number. The PCT levels for the NRS, RS, STA, and NO groups were 1.04, 6.46, 12.93, and 86.79 μg/L, respectively; the CRP levels were 0.40, 0.80, 1.10, and 16.40 mg/L, respectively. The PCT levels were significantly lower among neonates receiving STA in the birth subgroup (4.82 μg/L) than among those receiving STA in the admission subgroup (14.71 μg/L). The PCT levels were significantly higher among the STA multiple-dose subgroup (24.87 μg/L) than among the STA single-dose subgroup (12.47 μg/L). No significant differences in the CRP levels were observed. The serum PCT levels in preterm neonates were associated with postnatal respiratory condition severity.

Clinical Analysis of 86 Cases of Children with Plastic Bronchitis

To investigate the clinical features of pediatric patients who had plastic bronchitis (PB) and to explore the risk factors for respiratory support in the pediatric patients with PB in order to improve the ability to identify PB in children. The basic information and clinical manifestations of 86 children diagnosed with PB at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2014 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into the respiratory support (RS) group and non-respiratory support (NRS) group as per their need for respiratory support. Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the risk factors for respiratory support in PB patients. A total of 86 children with PB were included in the study, including 62 (72.1%) who were over 3 years old. 57 patients (66.3%) had complications. 56 patients were given respiratory support after admission. All the 86 children had a history of fever and cough, and 76 (88.4%) experienced fever peaks≥39.5°C. Chest imaging showed large lung consolidation or atelectasis in 82 cases (95.3%) and pleural effusion in 63 cases (73.3%). 70 cases (81.4%) were tested positive for pathogens, with the highest infection rate of 68.6% for mycoplasma pneumoniae. There were 30 patients (34.9%) in the NRS group and 56 patients (65.1%) in the RS group. Logistic regression analysis showed that patient being younger than 3 years old ( OR=4.99) and having complications ( OR=7.22) were independent risk factors for respiratory support in children with PB (all P<0.05). Clinically, severe clinical symptoms combined with other systemic complications, large lung consolidation or atelectasis, pleural effusion, and positive lab results for mycoplasma pneumoniae should be an alert indicating the possibility of having PB. Young age and complications were independent risk factors for respiratory support in PB patients.

Amniotic fluid neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and L-type fatty acid-binding protein in predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome.

To analyze the effectiveness of amniotic fluid neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and L-type fatty acid-binding protein as predictive factors for fetal inflammatory response syndrome. We classified single pregnancy cases into the fetal inflammatory response syndrome and nonfetal inflammatory response syndrome groups. We collected amniotic fluid at vaginal delivery and cesarean section and compared the patient characteristics, maternal white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, and amniotic fluid interleukin-6; neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; and L-type fatty acid-binding protein levels between the groups. We further analyzed the relationship between L-type fatty acid-binding protein levels and neonatal clinical outcomes. We analyzed 129 pregnancies, of which 36 and 93 (27.9% and 72.1%, respectively) were classified into the fetal inflammatory response syndrome and nonfetal inflammatory response syndrome groups, respectively. We observed significant differences in the maternal white blood cell counts and amniotic fluid interleukin-6 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels. On the multivariate analysis, the useful predictive factors were maternal white blood cell count and amniotic fluid interleukin-6 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels. Furthermore, the level of L-type fatty acid-binding protein was significantly higher in the transient tachypnea of the newborn and postnatal respiratory support group than in the control group. The maternal white blood cell count and amniotic interleukin-6 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were effective predictors of fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Amniotic fluid L-type fatty acid-binding protein level was an effective predictor of neonatal respiratory support.

Bilevel and continuous positive airway pressure and factors linked to all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients in an intermediate respiratory intensive care unit in Italy

ABSTRACT Objectives: In the present single-centered, retrospective, observational study, we reported findings from 78 consecutive laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) hospitalized in an intermediate Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, subdividing the patients into two groups according to their clinical outcome, dead patients and discharged patients. Methods: We further subdivided patients depending on the noninvasive respiratory support used during hospitalization. Results: In those patients who died, we found significant older age and higher multimorbidity and higher values of serum lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer. Among patients who were submitted to bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP), those who died had a significant shorter number of days in overall length of stay and lower values of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) compared to those who survived. No difference in all-cause mortality was observed between the two different noninvasive respiratory support groups [48% for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and 52% for BPAP]. Conclusion: In COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS using BPAP in an intermediate level of hospital care had more factors associated to all-cause mortality (shorter length of stay and lower baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio) compared to those who underwent CPAP.

Comparison of Ventilator’s Work of Breath Cased on Constant Flow Nasal CPAP Through Pressure Limited and Electronic Feedback Pressure Control Mechanisms in the Treatment of RDS in Neonates Weighing About 1000 Grams

Background: Continuous distending pressure (CDP) is considered as standard care in neonates with decreased pulmonary compliance. Concerns regarding the implementation of non-invasive CDP in a respiratory cycle in order to establish an optimal level of functional residual capacity (FRC) abound in the related literature. Examples include how to manage gas leakage in the interface, no imposed increased work of breath (WOB) on patients and prevention of applying trans-pulmonary pressure levels leading to metabolic acidosis. Following the development of autoflow hardware, pressure control (PC) respiratory pattern was defined in the field of mechanical ventilation (MV) in order to compensate for gas leakage in interface or compensate for pressure drop and increased CDP pressure level in respiratory phases of inspiration and expiration. Objectives: The study aimed at decreasing WOB in neonates with RDS using pressure control-nCPAP. Methods: This study was a retrospective clinical trial performed on 70 neonates weighing about 1000 grams with RDS. Participants were randomly assigned into two respiratory support groups based on the use of pressure limited nCPAP (PL-nCPAP) and pressure control nCPAP (PC-nCPAP). Each group consisted of 35 infants compared in terms of their demographic characteristics, duration of non-invasive respiratory support, rapid shallow breathing (RSB) index, ventilator’s WOB, need for MV, need for surfactant administration, chronic lung diseases, pneumothorax, intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and death. Results: No significant difference was observed between the mean time of non-invasive respiratory support and the need for MV, between the incidence of pneumothorax and IVH and also between the mortality rate and degree of involvement in chronic lung diseases in the two groups. The mean respiratory ventilation rate of ventilator’s WOB in PC-nCPAP group was significantly higher than that of PL-nCPAP group. The mean RSB index was also significantly higher in PL-nCPAP group than in PC-nCPAP group. Finally, the mean of surfactant administration in PL-nCPAP group was significantly higher than that in PC-nCPAP group. Conclusions: In this study, ventilator’s WOB in PC-nCPAP group, which was significantly higher than that of PL-nCPAP group, can be explained by significantly higher RSB index in PL-nCPAP group and significantly lower mean surfactant prescription in PC-nCPAP group.

Insights from Australians with respiratory disease living in the community with experience of self-managing through an emergency department ‘near miss’ for breathlessness: a strengths-based qualitative study

ObjectivesBreathlessness ‘crises’ in people with chronic respiratory conditions are a common precipitant for emergency department (ED) presentations, many of which might be avoided through improved self-management and support. This study...

Risk factors for respiratory failure of motor neuron disease in a multiracial Asian population

Background: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devastating degenerative disorder. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common and severe form of MND. Respiratory failure arising from ventilator musculature atrophy is the most common cause of death for ALS patients. Exploring the factors correlated with respiratory failure can contribute to disease management. Purpose: To characterize the clinical features of MND and determine the factors that may affect respiratory failure of MND patients. Methods: The case records of all MND patients seen in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) between January 2004 and December 2014 were examined. Demographic, clinical information were collected by reviewing case records. Mortality data, if not available from records, were obtained via phone call interview of family members. Demographic data and clinical treatments were compared between Respiratory support group and Non-respiratory support group. Results: There were 73 patients included in our study. 49 (67.1%) patients died during follow-up. The mean age of onset was 58±11.1years. With regard to treatment, 63% needed feeding support, and 42.5% required ventilation aid. The median overall survival was 36months from symptom onset. Chi-square tests showed there was significantly higher percentage of respiratory support needed in Chinese than in other races (P=0.016). Compared with non-feeding support patients, patients with feeding support were more likely to require assisted ventilation (P=0.001). Conclusions: We report for the first time that the need of feeding support is significantly associated with assisted ventilation. Chinese MND patients may be more inclined to require respiratory support.

Management and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Robin sequence, a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess the prevalence, course, and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Robin sequence (RS) aged 1–18 years.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 63 children aged 1 to18 years with RS. Patient data were collected on baseline characteristics and management. OSA was evaluated by polysomnography.ResultsSixty-three children with RS were included (median age 8.0 years) and divided into two groups based on the initial treatment: prone positioning or respiratory support. Respiratory support was more often indicated in children with a non-isolated RS (p < 0.05). At cross section, in the prone positioning group (n = 32), one child was diagnosed with OSA. In the respiratory support group (n = 31), 13 children (42 %) had respiratory problems of whom 10 needed respiratory support.ConclusionsBetween the age of 1 and 18 years, almost one out of four children with RS still has respiratory problems. Children with RS, who can be treated with prone positioning only as an infant, are not likely to develop obstructive airway problems at a later age. In contrast, children who need respiratory support early after birth are at risk of continuing or re-developing OSA after the age of 1 year.Clinical relevanceThis study shows that those who need respiratory support at an early age need careful monitoring until adulthood.

A Comparison of the Effect of Nasal bi-level Positive Airway Pressure and Sigh-positive Airway Pressure on the Treatment of the Preterm Newborns Weighing Less than 1500 g Affiliated with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Background:Nowadays, administering noninvasive positive airway pressure (PAP) is considered as the building block for the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Since nasal continuous PAP (n-CPAP) established its roots as an interventional approach to treat RDS, there have always been concerns related to the increased work of breathing in newborns treated with this intervention. Therefore, respiratory support systems such as nasal bi-level PAP (N-BiPAP) and sigh-PAP (SiPAP) have been developed during the last decade. In this study, two respiratory support systems which, unlike n-CPAP, are categorized as cycled noninvasive ventilation, are studied.Methods:This study was a randomized clinical trial done on 74 newborns weighing 1500 g or less affiliated with RDS hospitalized in NICU at Al-Zahra Hospital from October 2012 to March 2014. Patients were randomly assigned to two respiratory support groups of N-BiPAP and SiPAP. Each group contained 37 newborns who were compared, according to their demographic characteristics, duration of noninvasive ventilation, the need to administer surfactant, apnea incidence, the need for mechanical ventilation, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the duration of oxygen supplement administration, and chronic lung disease (CLD).Results:The average duration of noninvasive respiratory support, and the average duration of the need for oxygen supplement had no significant difference between the groups. Moreover, apnea incidence, the need for mechanical ventilation, pneumothorax, IVH, PDA, CLD, the need for the second dose of surfactant, and the death rate showed no significant difference in two groups.Conclusions:In this study, SiPAP showed no significant clinical preference over N-BiPAP in the treatment of the newborns with RDS weighing <1500 g.

Even mild respiratory distress alters tissue oxygenation significantly in preterm infants during neonatal transition

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enables continuous non-invasive measurements of regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). The aim was to evaluate the dynamics of rSO2 of the brain, preductal and postductal tissues during postnatal transition in preterm infants with and without respiratory support (RS). This single-centre study was designed as an exploratory prospective observational study. Fifty one preterm infants (≥ 30 + 0 and < 37 + 0 weeks) delivered by caesarean section were included. RS using a T-Piece-Resuscitator and supplemental oxygen were given according to guidelines. NIRS measurements were carried out by using Invos Monitor (Covidien; USA) for the first 15 min of life. Three NIRS transducers were attached on the forehead (rSO2brain), the right forearm (rSO2arm) and the left lower leg (rSO2leg). Two groups were compared based on need for RS: normal transition (NT) and RS group. Results: In NT group rSO2brain increased over time and was significantly higher than rSO2arm, whereas in RS group rSO2brain and rSO2arm increased without significant differences. Courses of rSO2arm and rSO2leg increased over time and showed a converging pattern with initially lower values of rSO2leg in NT group and a diverging pattern with lower levels of rSO2leg in RS group. Overall, rSO2 levels were higher in NT compared to RS group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the decreased rSO2 levels in RS group compared to NT group are not only caused by lower arterial oxygen saturation levels, but also by a compromised perfusion even in infants with only mild respiratory distress.

Emergency management of febrile status epilepticus: results of the FEBSTAT study.

Treatment of seizures varies by region, with no standard emergency treatment protocol. Febrile status epilepticus (FSE) is often a child's first seizure; therefore, families are rarely educated about emergency treatment. From 2002 to 2010, 199 subjects, age 1month to 6years, were recruited as part of a prospective, multicenter study of consequences of FSE, which was defined as a febrile seizure or series of seizures lasting >30min. The patients' charts were reviewed. No standardized treatment protocol was implemented for this observational study. One hundred seventy-nine children received at least one antiepileptic drug (AED) to terminate FSE, and more than one AED was required in 140 patients (70%). Median time from the seizure onset to first AED by emergency medical services (EMS) or emergency department (ED) was 30min. Mean seizure duration was 81min for subjects given medication prior to ED and 95min for those who did not (p=0.1). Median time from the first dose of AED to end of seizure was 38min. Initial dose of lorazepam or diazepam was suboptimal in 32 (19%) of 166 patients. Ninety-five subjects (48%) received respiratory support by EMS or ED. Median seizure duration for the respiratory support group was 83min; for the nonrespiratory support group the duration was 58min (p-value<0.001). Reducing the time from seizure onset to AED initiation was significantly related to shorter seizure duration. FSE rarely stops spontaneously, is fairly resistant to medications, and even with treatment persists for a significant period of time. The total seizure duration is composed of two separate factors, the time from seizure onset to AED initiation and the time from first AED to seizure termination. Earlier onset of treatment results in shorter total seizure duration. A standard prehospital treatment protocol should be used nationwide and education of EMS responders is necessary.

Cerebral and Peripheral Regional Oxygen Saturation during Postnatal Transition in Preterm Neonates

To evaluate peripheral regional oxygen saturation (rpSO₂) and cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rcSO₂) during the immediate postnatal transition in late preterm infants with and without the need for respiratory support. This was a prospective observational study using near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate changes in rpSO₂ and rcSO₂. These variables were measured during the first 15 minutes of life after elective cesarean delivery. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate were measured continuously by pulse oximetry, and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) was calculated. Two groups were compared based on their need for respiratory support: a respiratory support group and a normal transition group. Positive-pressure ventilation was delivered with a T-piece resuscitator, and oxygen was adjusted based on SpO₂ values. A Florian respiratory function monitor was used to record the ventilation variables. There were 21 infants in the normal transition group and 21 infants in the respiratory support group. Changes in heart rate over time were similar in the 2 groups. SpO₂, rcSO₂, and rpSO₂ values were consistently higher in the normal transition group. In the respiratory support group, cFTOE values remained significantly elevated for a longer period. This systematic analysis of rpSO₂, rcSO₂, and cFTOE in late preterm infants found significantly lower oxygen saturation values in infants who received respiratory support compared with a normal transition group. We hypothesize that the elevated cFTOE values in the respiratory support group represent compensation for lower oxygen delivery.