Utilising pneuRIP device in determining the adequacy of respiratory support when weaning high-flow nasal cannula in paediatric patients with acute respiratory distress: A pilot study

Aim: Recognition of paediatric respiratory distress and timely intervention is critical, especially during the weaning phase of support in paediatric acute respiratory failure, as weaning too aggressively can lead to further setbacks in a patient's recovery. We aimed to determine if pulmonary function measurements obtained with the pneuRIP device, a noninvasive pulmonary function testing device that provides measurements of labored breathing index (LBI), phase angle and %rib cage (%RC) contribution to breathing, will provide predictive values to assess the adequacy of respiratory support while weaning from HFNC. Methods: We reviewed patients ages 0–18 years admitted to the PICU for respiratory distress due to respiratory infections receiving HFNC. Patients with history of chronic lung disease and chronic neuromuscular disease with baseline habnormal breathing patterns were excluded. Phase angle, LBI and %RC were obtained every hour and with every wean of HFNC. Nine patients were enroled. Results: Mean LBI range remained 1.27–1.68 when LBI was plotted as a function of the HFNC flow rate. Mean values of %RC contribution to breathing ranged 43.65–57.12 as a function of the HFNC flow rate. No significant deviations existed in either %RC (P = 0.16) or LBI (P = 0.16) during the weaning of HFNC. Mean phase angle for all subjects was 41.48°–74.12° for the duration of wean and showed significant deviation from baseline during the weaning process (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Measurements of LBI and %RC on the pneuRIP device effectively demonstrated tolerance of weaning HFNC during the recovery phase of acute respiratory failure from a respiratory infection.