High-Flow, Heated, Humidified Air Via Nasal Cannula Treats CPAP-Intolerant Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Our study demonstrates that the use of high-flow, humidified air via an FDA-approved device is effective in treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in a CPAP intolerant pediatric population. We report a protocol for fitting and titrating HFNC. Two of our subjects demonstrated resolution of apnea with the use of HFNC, and most subjects demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvements in oxygenation and reductions in obstructive indices. The HFNC was well tolerated and all titration studies were completed uneventfully.

Children tend to manifest hypopnea-predominant OSA, a partial obstruction that can cause chronic changes in ventilation and increased work of breathing. This partial obstruction causes airflow limitation that is corrected by the HFNC without the discomfort of high pressure or face mask seal.

HFNC was associated with a significant reduction in the heart rate and no deleterious effect on sleep quality. When compared to cardiometabolic measures obtained during the CHAT study, where significant AHI reduction after adenotonsillectomy was associated with heart rate improvement of only 1 bpm,27 we noted a mean heart rate reduction of 14 bpm. This suggests dramatic improvement in cardiorespiratory function Using HFNC therapy.

High-Flow, Heated, Humidified Air Via Nasal Cannula Treats CPAP-Intolerant Children With O.

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