High Frequency Jet Ventilation in Respiratory Failure Secondary to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Case Series.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the utility of high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) as a rescue therapy in patients with respiratory failure secondary to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that was refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV).


METHODS
Descriptive study by retrospective review.


METHODS
Pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care children's hospital.


METHODS
Infants on mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to RSV.


METHODS
Use of HFJV.


RESULTS
Eleven patients were placed on HFJV. There was sustained improvement in ventilation on HFJV with a mean decrease in PCO2 of 9 mmHg at 24 h and 11 mmHg at 72 h. There were no significant changes in oxygenation by oxygenation index. No patients required extracorporeal support or suffered pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or subcutaneous emphysema. Ten out of 11 (91%) patients survived to discharge from the hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
High frequency jet ventilation may represent an alternative therapy for RSV-induced respiratory failure that is refractory to CMV.
Section of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University , Indianapolis, IN , USA.
Kevin M
KM
Valentine
Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care Division, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University , Detroit, MI , USA.
Ajit A
AA
Sarnaik
Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care Division, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee , Memphis, TN , USA.
Hitesh S
HS
Sandhu
Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care Division, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University , Detroit, MI , USA.
Ashok P
AP
Sarnaik
bronchiolitis; high frequency jet ventilation; high frequency ventilation; respiratory acidosis; respiratory insufficiency; respiratory syncytial virus