Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV) in children with acute respiratory failure (ARI) admitted to an emergency room. Methods: Longitudinal, retrospective, analytical study. Collection of data from medical records (July 1, 2014 to October 30, 2016). Demographic and clinical variables and patient outcomes were studied: positive (macronebulization) or negative (invasive mechanical ventilation). The Wood Downes scale (EWD) was used for respiratory failure. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to study the variables related to the outcome. Results: There were 27 (51%) female patients; 21 (39.6%) with bronchiolitis; 20 (37.7%) with pneumonia and 12 (22.7%) with asthma. It was observed that the younger the age, the greater the probability of a negative outcome (p <0.001). For each 1-unit increase in pre-NIV EWD, the risk of a positive outcome decreased by 75%. With each 1-unit increase in O2 saturation (Sat O2) after NIV, the risk of a positive outcome increased three times its value (p <0.001). Conclusion: It was assessed that the use of NIV was negatively influenced by young age and by an increase in EWD and positively by an increase in Sat O2 after NIV.