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Non‐invasive ventilation reduces respiratory tract infections in children with neuromuscular disorders
Author(s) -
DohnaSchwake C.,
Podlewski P.,
Voit T.,
Mellies U.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.20740
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , respiratory tract infections , mechanical ventilation , respiratory tract , respiratory system , ventilation (architecture) , anesthesia , pediatrics , mechanical engineering , physics , optics , engineering
Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve gas exchange and survival in patients with chronic neuromuscular disorders. Little is known about its influence on respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Twenty‐four patients with regular use of NIV and 11 patients without NIV with neuromuscular disorders answered a questionnaire concerning the use of NIV and assisted coughing techniques, the status of influenza and pneumococcus vaccination, and the frequency and severity of RTIs. Additionally, we performed a retrospective chart review of twelve patients who were ventilated over a period of at least 5 years. In the first year of NIV consultations of a general practitioner due to RTI decreased from 9.2 ± 20.8 to 3.2 ± 5.3 per year ( P < 0.005), the number of antibiotic treatment due to RTI decreased from 4.1 ± 3.4 to 1.9 ± 2.2 per year ( P < 0.005) and the number of hospital admissions due to RTI decreased from 1.6 ± 1.7 to 0.7 ± 1.3 per year ( P < 0.005). Vaccinations against influenza and/or pneumococcus did not have a significant influence on the rate of infections. In 12 patients using NIV for more than 5 years the incidence of RTI requiring hospital admission decreased from 0.54 ± 0.41/year in the pre‐ventilation period to 0.12 ± 0.09/year in the NIV period ( P < 0.005). NIV had a favorable impact on respiratory infectious complications in children with neuromuscular disorders. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:67–71. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.