Pediatric pulmonology
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Pediatric pulmonology · Jun 2003
ReviewNoninvasive ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit for children with acute respiratory failure.
Noninvasive ventilation, a novel treatment to increase alveolar ventilation, is accomplished with either subatmospheric or positive pressure administered via an external interface. In adults with acute respiratory failure, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is superior to standard therapy in preventing intubation and reducing mortality. The role of NPPV in pediatric-age patients with acute respiratory distress is not as well established. ⋯ Other uses of NPPV in the pediatric intensive care unit include the treatment of upper airway obstruction, atelectasis, and exacerbations of neuromuscular disorders, and to facilitate weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. Successful use of NPPV in young infants with respiratory distress is impeded by the lack of suitable size interfaces, and the response characteristics of commercially available bilevel ventilators. Despite these challenges, NPPV is a promising alternate to standard therapies in the treatment of acute respiratory distress in the pediatric-age patient.
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Pediatric pulmonology · Jun 2003
Comparative StudyCorrelation of six different cystic fibrosis chest radiograph scoring systems with clinical parameters.
In past decades, several chest radiograph scoring systems for cystic fibrosis were developed. This study was performed to compare interobserver variability of six different radiograph scores and to correlate them with clinical parameters. Thirty chest radiographs of 30 patients with cystic fibrosis were scored according to Shwachman-Kulczycki scoring, Chrispin-Norman scoring, adjusted Chrispin-Norman scoring, Brasfield scoring, Wisconsin scoring, and the Northern scoring system by two independent observers. ⋯ Interobserver variability was low (Pearson's correlation coefficients, 0.76-0.84; all P < 0.01), and scores had good limits of agreement (Bland and Altman). Correlation of radiograph score with clinical parameters was good for most pulmonary function test data (correlation coefficients from 0.72-0.78 for percent of forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)%) predicted and from 0.69-0.74 for FVC% predicted) and for infectious exacerbation rate (correlation coefficients from 0.68-0.73). All six radiograph scoring systems, especially the Chrispin-Norman score, showed a low interobserver variability and correlated well with lung function tests, especially FEV(1)% predicted and infectious exacerbation rate, and moderately with maximum work capacity and thoracic mobility.
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Childhood bronchiectasis not related to underlying disease is still common in some populations in affluent countries. The aims of the study were to: 1) describe demographics, 2) evaluate the effectiveness of routine investigations, and 3) determine the relationship between spirometry and radiology scoring systems, in children with chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) living in Central Australia. Data of children living in Central Australia aged =15 years with noncystic fibrosis CSLD were identified over 2 years. ⋯ In conclusion, CSLD is unacceptably common in indigenous children of this region, commences early in life, and is associated with significant comorbidities. Spirometry data do not reflect the severity of lung disease in HRCT scans. While improvement in the living standards is of utmost importance, the medical management that includes thorough investigations of these children should not be neglected.