High Flow Nasal Cannula Flow Rates: New Data Worth the Weight

Oxygen delivery via a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) system has become increasingly common for children with acute viral bronchiolitis.1 HFNC is now used in pediatric intensive care units throughout the world,2-4 and its use has been expanded to the pediatric emergency department5 and, under selected conditions, the general pediatric inpatient unit.6 Nevertheless, questions remain about this respiratory support modality. Does this level of support influence clinical outcomes compared with standard nasal cannula oxygen4 or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation?2 Are there patient-level factors that can predict the response to HFNC therapy? In what locations and under which circumstances can HFNC support be provided safely? What is the predominant mechanism by which it supports breathing?

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