Comparison of Two Weaning Methods from Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is widely used in children, there is no consensus on the methods for starting, maintenance, and weaning.

The aim of this study was to compare weaning methods in children.

METHODS: The study included all patients in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) who were started on HFNC treatment.

The respiratory assessment score was used in the decisions for starting, continuing, and weaning from HFNC.

The patients who responded and for whom weaning was planned were randomized by month into 2 groups as directly weaned from HFNC and weaned by reducing the flow.

Success rates, treatment, and length of stay (LOS) in weaning methods were compared.

RESULTS: Of the 145 patients initially included in the study, 32 (22%) were excluded, and analysis was made of 113 patients.

Successful weaning from HFNC was obtained in 76.9% of the patients, in 82.1% of flow weaning, and 73.6% of direct weaning, with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups (P = 0.286).

The median duration of HFNC and the median LOS in PICU were determined to be statistically significantly shorter in direct weaning than in flow weaning [36 h interquartile range (IQR) 24–48 h] versus 60 h (IQR 60–72 h), P < 0.001 and 6 days (4–14 days) versus 9.5 days (5.25–20.75 days, P = 0.043, respectively).

CONCLUSION: In patients who responded to HFNC in PICU, the responses to direct weaning and flow reduction were seen to be similar.

In patients directly weaned off, both the HFNC duration and LOS in PICU were significantly shorter.