RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 High Frequency Chest Wall Compression Therapy in Neurologically Impaired Children
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP respcare.02446
DO 10.4187/respcare.02446
A1 Kathryn Fitzgerald
A1 Jessica Dugre
A1 Sobhan Pagala
A1 Peter Homel
A1 Michael Marcus
A1 Mikhail Kazachkov
YR 2013
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2013/06/18/respcare.02446.abstract
AB Background: Children with neurological impairment often suffer from insufficient airway secretion clearance, which substantially increases their respiratory morbidity. The goal of the study was to assess the clinical feasibility of high frequency chest wall compression (HFCWC) therapy in neurologically impaired children with respiratory symptoms. Methods: This was a single-center, investigator initiated, prospective study. Twenty two patients were studied for 12 months before and 12 months after initiation of HFCWC therapy, 15 patients were followed up for additional 12 months. The threshold of compliance with HFCWC therapy was 70%. The amounts of pulmonary exacerbations, which required hospitalization, were recorded. Results: Forty five percent of study patients required hospital admission before initiation of HFCWC therapy. This rate decreased to 36% after the first year of treatment and to 13% after the second year of treatment. There was a statistically significant reduction of the number of hospital days at follow-up relative to before treatment. Use of either the cough assist device or tracheostomy did not significantly interact over time with hospitalization days. Conclusions: Prolonged HFCWC therapy may reduce the number of hospitalizations in neurologically impaired children.