What are the most reliable predictive factors of non-invasive ventilation failure in paediatric intensive care units?

Abstract

Introduction: Despite there being limited evidence, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become a common treatment for acute respiratory failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors of NIV failure, in order to enable early detection of patients failing the treatment. Patients and methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted that included all ARF patients that received NIV as the initial treatment between 2005 and 2009 in a fourteen-bed Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a tertiary university hospital. Information was collected about the NIV, as well as clinical data prior to NIV, at 2, 8, 12, and 24 h. The haemoglobin saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio (S/F) was retrospectively calculated. NIV failure was defined as the need for intubation or requiring rescue with bi-level pressure (BLPAP). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 282 patients received non-invasive support, with 71 receiving Continuous Pressure (CPAP), and 211 with BLPAP treatment. The overall success rate was 71%. Patients receiving BLPAP vs. CPAP, patients with higher S/F ratios at 2 h (odds ratio [OR] 0.991, 95% CI: 0.986–0.996, P = .001), and patients older than 6 months (Hazard ratio [HZ] 0.375, 95% CI: 0.171–0.820, P = .014), were also more likely to fail. Patients with higher heart rates (HR) at 2 h (OR 1.021, 95% CI [1.008–1.034], P = .001) and higher inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) at 2 h were more prone to failure (HZ 1.214, 95% CI [1.046–1.408], P = .011). Conclusions: Age below 6 months, S/F ratio, HR, and IPAP at 2 h are independent predictive factors for initial NIV failure in paediatric patients with ARF admitted to the PICU. Resumen: Introducción: La ventilación no invasiva (VNI) se ha convertido en un tratamiento habitual de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA). Nuestro objetivo ha sido identificar factores predictores de fracaso de VNI para detectar precozmente a los pacientes en los que no tendrá éxito. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes con IRA que recibieron VNI como tratamiento inicial entre 2005 y 2009, en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de 14 camas de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. Se recogieron datos clínicos e información sobre la VNI, previamente a su inicio, a las 2, 8, 12 y 24 horas. La razón entre saturación de hemoglobina y fracción de oxígeno inspirada (S/F) se calculó retrospectivamente. Se definió fallo de VNI como necesidad de intubación o necesidad de rescate con presión binivel (BLPAP). Se realizaron análisis estadísticos univariable y multivariable. Resultados: Un total de n = 282 pacientes recibieron soporte no invasivo, presión continua = 71, BLPAP = 211. El porcentaje de éxito de la muestra global fue 71%. Los pacientes tratados con BLPAP vs. presión continua, aquellos con S/F más elevados a las 2 horas (odds ratio 0,991, IC 95%: 0,986-0,996, p = 0,001) y los mayores de 6 meses (hazard ratio 0,375, IC 95% 0,171-0,820, p = 0,014), presentaron menor riesgo de fracaso. Los pacientes con frecuencias cardíacas más altas y mayor presión positiva inspiratoria en vía aérea a las 2 horas (odds ratio 1,021, IC 95%: 1,008-1,034, p = 0,001; hazard ratio 1,214, IC 95%: 1,046-1,408, p = 0,011) presentaron mayor riesgo de fracaso. Conclusiones: La edad < 6 meses, S/F, frecuencia cardíaca y presión positiva inspiratoria en la vía aérea a las 2 horas son factores predictores independientes de fracaso de VNI inicial en pacientes con IRA admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos.

Keywords

• Ventilación no invasiva
• Insuficiencia respiratoria
• Bronquiolitis
• Unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos