Comparison of High Flow vs Standard Nasal Cannula in Children With Burns Under Sedoanalgesia

High flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNCO) has gained popularity in pediatric anesthesia practice. The basic mechanism of HFNCO involves reducing metabolic cost and work of breathing, decreasing nasopharyngeal resistance, and improving gas conditioning and secretion clearance. Heating and humidifying the oxygen administered make it easier for patients to tolerate high flow. The flow rate can be adjusted for all age groups. However, there are no studies in the literature investigating the effectiveness of HFNCO during procedural sedation in pediatric burn patients.

This randomized prospective study was performed in 50 patients aged 1-14 years in the pediatric burn unit. Patients were divided into two groups as Group HFO: High flow oxygen (n: 25) and Group NC: nasal cannula oxygen (n: 25). Age, sex, burn percentage, concomitant diseases, ASA score, BMI (body mass index), respiratory and hemodynamic parameters, recovery time and presence of complications during sedoanalgesia were recorded.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 1 and 14 years
• ASA risk groups 1-3
• Second-degree burns covering more than 10% of the total body surface area, or third- and fourth-degree burns covering more than 2% of the total body surface area, burns involving the face, hands, feet, genital area, perineum, or major joints, electrical burns, and chemical burns.

Exclusion criteria

• Under 1 year of age or over 14 years of age
• ASA score above 3
• Having restrictive or obstructive chronic respiratory diseases, active upper or lower respiratory infections, first-degree burns, and burns to the nasal area or respiratory tract.