Objective:

analyze and describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of children under 2 years of age, treated with HFNC for low viral respiratory infections at moderate care pediatric units in Florida Department, Uruguay.

Method:

observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. We included all children under 2 years of age with low viral respiratory infections treated with HFNC between June 1st. and October 31st, 2017: n=10. Inclusion criteria: Tal Score modified more or equal 7, maintained despite treatment, Tal Score more or equal 9 from the beginning, or oxygen saturation less or equal 90% conventional oxygenation. The success or failure criteria were defined by clinical response and evolution. Failure cases were referred to Intensive Therapy for alternative ventilatory support. Gasometry was performed in all cases before the treatment, and it was not repeated if the technique was successful. We recorded age, place of birth, gender, institution, comorbidities, reason for cannula insertion, nasopharyngeal aspiration, application time and treatment results.

Results:

10 patients were included, average age 8.1 months, 6 female; the connection reason was Tal Score more or equal 7 maintained despite treatment; 7 had negative nasopharyngeal aspiration and 3 were reactive to respiratory syncytial virus. The average application time was 54.9 hours and the technique was successful in 7/10 cases. The three failed cases were transferred by pediatric ambulance and the treatment was not discontinued. These children required invasive respiratory assistance.

Conclusions:

the use of HFNC in the Florida Pediatric Center enabled us to successfully treat 7/10 lactating children with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to low respiratory infection.

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