EVALUATION OF THE USE OF HIGH-FLOW NASAL CATHETER IN A NEONATAL AND PEDIATRIC ICU IN CASCAVEL: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE, RATE OF SUCCESS AND THERAPEUTIC FAILURE

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as a respiratory support modality for neonates and children admitted to a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit in Cascavel, Paraná. HFNC is a noninvasive technique that delivers heated and humidified oxygen at high flows, contributing to reduced respiratory effort, improved oxygenation, and a decreased need for invasive mechanical ventilation. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, based on the analysis of medical records of patients who used HFNC between December 2022 and December 2024. Epidemiological data, clinical diagnoses, respiratory parameters, and treatment-related outcomes were collected. The results showed that, among the 45 patients included, the treatment success rate was 80%, characterized by the absence of the need for subsequent intubation, while 20% progressed to treatment failure. An association was observed between lower body weight and a higher risk of failure, especially in newborns and young infants. The conclusion is that HFNC is a safe and effective alternative in cases of mild to moderate respiratory failure, especially in bronchiolitis, provided there is careful patient selection and adequate monitoring.