Nasopharyngeal oxygen therapy produces positive end-expiratory pressure in infants

Abstract

The World Health Organisation recommends nasopharyngeal catheters as a safe and efficient method of oxygen administration in infants. However, little is known about the mechanisms of the improvement in oxygenation. The aim of the present study was to determine whether nasopharyngeal oxygen therapy produces positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Nine spontaneously breathing infants (median age 13 months, range 10 days to 20 months) after heart surgery were investigated. All patients had normal pulmonary blood flow at the time of the study (Qp:Qs=l:l). Oxygen (oxygen fraction 1.0) was delivered by an 8 F catheter inserted into the nasopharynx (tip just visible below the soft palate). The pul..