Multicenter study on the prognosis associated with respiratory support for children with acute hypoxic respiratory failure.

The objective of the present study was to explore the factors influencing the outcomes related to respiratory support of children with acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) in 30 hospitals. This was a non-controlled prospective and collaborative multicenter clinical study conducted from June, 2010 to May, 2011 (each hospital for 12 consecutive months). Children aged from 29 days to 6 years and who met the diagnostic standards of AHRF were enrolled as subjects for the study. After patients were enrolled, general parameters including disease diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were recorded. Then we analyzed the differences in prognosis and respiratory therapy of patients with AHRF. During the study period, 13,906 cases of AHRF were admitted among the 30 hospitals, accounting for 75.3% of the total number of patients with AHRF. The proportion in different hospitals ranged from 16 to 98%. A total of 492 children with hypoxic respiratory failure were admitted among the 30 hospitals. The prevalence rate was 3.54%, and the incidence of AHRF in each hospital was 4.54%. Tidal volume and respiratory support treatment were compared with the results from a 2006 study, and the differences were statistically significant in positive end-expiratory pressure (5 vs. 4, P=0.018), fraction of inspire O2 (0.5 vs. 0.4, P<0.001), pressure of artery O2 (70 vs. 60 mmHg, P<0.001) and peak inspiratory pressure (20 vs. 24 cm H2 Ο, P<0.001). In conclusion, academic background and the level of regional economic development are factors which influence the prognosis of children with AHRF. On the basis of unapparent differences between academic background and the level of regional economic development, there is a substantial difference in the prognosis from different forms of respiratory support management for AHRF. Therefore, it is essential to develop respiratory support and the level of critical management of pediatric intensive care units.