Ventilatory Support in Bronchiolitis: Less Invasive Alternatives for Better Results

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594552414066

• Palavras-chave: Acute viral bronchiolitis; Physiotherapy; Non-invasive ventilation

• Keywords: Acute viral bronchiolitis; Physiotherapy; Non-invasive ventilation

• Abstract:

  Bronchiolitis is a pneumopathy resulting from acute inflammation of the terminal bronchioles of viral etiology. The high-flow nasal catheter (HFNC) is a non-invasive resource that has the physiological effect of reducing respiratory work, reducing dead space, and promoting efficient gas exchange. The objective of the study was to analyze the outcome of children diagnosed with bronchiolitis on ventilator support and the relationship with the etiological agent. A retrospective survey was carried out on the medical records from January to December 2023 of the pediatric ICU. The inclusion criteria in the analysis were a diagnosis of viral bronchiolitis requiring ventilatory support. The types of support needed were analyzed, as well as their progression to invasive support, totaling 518 children in this criterion. All children included in the analysis (518) started using HFNC and 28 (5.4%) of them progressed to needing non-invasive ventilation. Of these, 7 developed the need for invasive ventilatory support, and 5 of these children already had comorbidities and associated antecedents. We therefore conclude that the use of HFNC proved to be an effective alternative for the treatment of bronchiolitis, in addition to being a comfortable therapy that allows the child to communicate, eat, among other benefits.