High-flow nasal cannula as a device to provide continuous positive airway pressure in infants

Abstract

Objective: To measure the intrapharyngeal pressure (IPP) generated by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) at varying flow rates up to 5lmin-1. Study Design: We studied 14 infants on HFNC or NCPAP using IPP manometry to measure the IPP generated at flows of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5lmin-1. Result: On average flow rates of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5l min-1 generated an IPP (cm of H2O) of 1.70±0.34, 1.75±0.2, 2.62±0.28, 3.78±0.44 and 4.84±0.51 respectively. Conclusion: HFNC delivers significant IPP and is potentially a well-tolerated and viable option to provide CPAP at flows of ≥3 min-1 in infants with respiratory distress.