Incorporating a nebulizer system into high-flow nasal cannula improves comfort in infants with bronchiolitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used to provide respiratory support in infants with bronchiolitis. The delivery of aerosol therapy through a jet nebulizer is widely indicated despite its controversial efficacy and poor tolerability. METHODS: This randomized cross-over study aimed to evaluate the comfort and satisfaction of the delivery of aerosol therapy using a nebulization system integrated into HFNC compared with the standard practice of using a jet nebulizer with a face mask. The COMFORT-Behavior (COMFORT-B) scale, a visual analog scale, and a numeric rating scale were used by health professionals and caregivers to assess subjects’ levels of comfort and satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 113 nebulizations (64 via nebulizer with HFNC; 49 via jet nebulizer) were delivered to the 6 subjects included in the study. Use of the nebulizer with HFNC showed increased comfort and satisfaction during nebulization compared to use of the jet nebulizer, as measured by the COMFORT-B scale, the visual analog scale, and the numeric rating scale, with the following median (interquartile range) scores: 10.7 (7–16) versus 14.5 (10–20) (P =.006), 8.5 (6–10) versus 7 (4–9) (P =.02), and 3.84 (3.61–4.07) versus 1.83 (1.58–2.08) (P