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Use of Helium–Oxygen Mixtures to Relieve Upper Airway Obstruction in a Pediatric Population
Author(s) -
Grosz Anna H.,
Jacobs Ian N.,
Cho Catherine,
Schears Gregory J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200109000-00004
Subject(s) - medicine , airway obstruction , airway , oxygen therapy , work of breathing , anesthesia , population , breathing , mechanical ventilation , environmental health
Objectives Helium as a component of inspired gas decreases turbulent flow and airway resistance. Helium–oxygen mixtures have been used since the 1930s in the management of patients with upper airway obstruction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of helium–oxygen mixtures in relieving upper airway obstruction in a pediatric population. Study Design Retrospective chart review of 42 pediatric patients who received helium–oxygen mixtures for upper airway obstruction within a 3‐year period. Methods The study protocol included 42 pediatric patients, aged 1 week to 14 years, who were admitted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from June 1997 to December 2000 and who received a total of 44 treatments of helium–oxygen therapy for upper airway obstruction. Response to treatment was determined by reduction in work of breathing noted on the chart. Results Thirty‐two of 44 helium–oxygen treatments resulted in a positive response (73%). There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between responders and nonresponders, except all of the premature infants were responders and 6 of the 9 patients with syndromes were nonresponders. Conclusions Helium–oxygen therapy is a useful adjunct therapy for upper airway obstruction. Controlled clinical trials are necessary to better define the appropriate settings for use of helium–oxygen.