Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Biography

Biography: S E Morgan

Abstract

Infl uenza-like respiratory infections is a frequent trigger for status asthmaticus. Helium-oxygen (heliox) gas mixtures, has been used for decades to treat pulmonary exacerbations. The lower density and higher viscosity of heliox relative to nitrogen oxygen mixtures can signifi cantly reduce airway resistance, thought little evidence exist regarding effi cacy in viral-related lung disease. Th e morbidity and mortality of these viruses is signifi cant with regard to infants and children. In the summer of 2014 > 600 kids were admitted to Comer Children’s Hospital with rhinovirus-enterovirus. Infections in children may cause bronchitis, viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia in variable combinations and may impede air-fl ow enough to be the etiology of respiratory failure. We present the case review of two pediatric patients treated with heliox who experienced resolution of respiratory failure through the use of heliox. First case; a10-month old Hispanic male diagnosed with a history of seizures, coronavirus – HCoV-43 and rhinovirus-enterovirus treated with high fl ow nasal cannula and heliox to avoid re- intubation. Before heliox the patient was tachypnea 60-70 breaths/min. Aft er heliox, his respiratory rate fell 31-38 breaths/min.Th e second case review is a 4 year old female, diagnosed with rhinovirus-enterovirus that required mechanical ventilation with heliox to treat refractory hypoxichypercarbic (PaCO2-118 mmHg) respiratory failure. Th e benefi t of heliox appeared to serve as a bridge to support these patients’ while time and pharmacologic measures took eff ect and an underlying infection abated. More study is needed to understand and treat viral-related obstruction lung disease of small airways and the role of heliox.