OUTCOME OF CPAP IN 1–12 MONTHS OLD INFANTS PRESENTING WITH RESPIRATORY FAILURE IN PEDIATRIC ICU

Abstract

Background:  Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the PICUs, especially in young infants. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of non-invasive respiratory support and may enhance oxygenation, while decreasing the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Objective: To determine the outcome of CPAP in infants with respiratory failure with age between 1-12 months in terms of success of treatment. Methods: This was a descriptive case series that was carried out at Department of Pediatrics, Ghruki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from July 2025 to October 2025. A consecutive sampling of a total of 139 infants between the ages of 1–12 months having ARF were included. CPAP was started at 4-6 cmH₂O and then titrated as per response. The success of the treatment was determined at 48 hours by the improvement of the arterial blood gas parameters, the disappearance of respiratory distress, lack of apnea, and the lack of endotracheal intubation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age was 6.42 ± 3.18 months, and 78 (56.1%) infants were male. Of the 114 infants (82.0%) who had successful CPAP treatment, 25 (18.0%) needed to escalate to invasive mechanical ventilation. No significant difference was noted between age (p>0.05) and gender (p>0.05) and treatment success. Conclusion: CPAP resulted in a good treatment success rate in ARF infants and could be an effective non-invasive method of respiratory support in PICU.