Nasal mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients at home

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to show our experience in the surveillance of home mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1992 and September 1996, 14 patients (20 months to 18 years of age) received home ventilation on 16 occasions. There were 10 boys and 4 girls. Home ventilation lasted from 7 days to 28 months. All patients had chronic respiratory failure secondary to neuromuscular disease, cystic fibrosis or sleep apnea syndrome. RESULTS: Tolerance was good in 11 patients and bad in 3, 2 of which suffered from cystic fibrosis and died in terminal respiratory failure. The patients who benefited most were those with neuromuscular disease, cyphoscoliosis and sleep apnea syndrome. The technique also has been used for ventilator weaning and as a bridge to lung transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Home nasal mechanical ventilation is a useful technique for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure in adults and children.