High flow nasal cannula in infants with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome
A case series
Abstract
Introduction: The obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has a variable prevalence in children and can lead to multiple long-term complications if adequate treatment is not received. The current treatment is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This therapy, however, has a low tolerance and adherence in young children. The objective of this study is to describe the use of the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as an alternative for symptomatic treatment in four infants with OSAHS.
Case presentation: Four infants aged 1 to 6 months with low weight and severe OSAHS received HFNC treatment during sleep and wakefulness. The device was placed during hospitalization, which increased the flow until reaching 2 L/min per kilo of weight, without supplemental oxygen. The four subjects showed improved symptoms, gained weight, and were discharged for home treatment (CPAP in three subjects and a tracheostomy in one subject).
Conclusion: We described the use of the HFNC in four infants with OSAHS during hospitalization. All subjects gained body weight and were discharged after achieving a transition to other treatments.
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