Use of high heated nasal canula at the hospital of sick children.

What is it about?

Heated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is used to provide oxygen using flow rates that are higher than traditional oxygen therapy. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of HFNC in the pediatric population. This study describes the HFNC therapy used at the hospital for Sick Children as well as the predictors of treatment failure.

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Why is it important?

Our findings showed that the majority of children at the hospital for Sick Children were placed on HFNC after respiratory distress or after extubation. We also found that the increased flow rate and reduced respiratory rate (RR) in the first 4 hours of administration. The results of this study can help respiratory therapists in anticipating HFNC failure and avoid high forms of respiratory support. These findings may help inform HFNC protocols for initiation of HFNC, weaning, as well as the discontinuation of HFNC.