ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of nCPAP as pre-emptive ventilatory support strategy in severe bronchiolitis. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on cases with nCPAP as pre-emptive ventilatory support strategy for severe bronchiolitis in PICU of our hospital from August 2012 to September 2014. Results Seventy-nine children received nCPAP therapy in our PICU. Overall, nCPAP was successful performed in 69 children, 10 patients required intubations. PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 in patients received intubations were lower than those in patients received only nCPAP before treatment (P < 0.05). There were significant improvements in PaCO2, PaO2, PaO2/FiO2, respiratory rate and heart rate in the patients received only nCPAP at 12 hours and 24 hours post-treatment (P < 0.05). For the 69 patients with hypercapnia received only nCPAP, PaCO2 was significantly reduced at 2 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours post-treatment (P < 0.01). Conclusion Clinically, nCPAP could improve the oxygenation and hypercapnia of patients with severe bronchiolitis. However, these patients, who suffered from severe bronchiolitis with minor PaO2 or PaO2/FiO2, appeared to require intubation as soon as possible.