Heliox associated with non-invasive ventilation in refractory bronchial hyperreactivity in infants: case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i4.1081Keywords:
Oxygen Inhalation Therapies; Helium; Intensive Care Units.Abstract
Introduction: The therapeutic mixture of helium and oxygen gases, known as Heliox (He/O2), has been described for many years with the aim of reducing airway resistance and ventilatory work in any obstructive airflow conditions. However, evidence is lacking. Objective: A case of heliox use associated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in an infant with refractory bronchial hyperreactivity is described. Methods: Case report. A wheezing male infant was admitted to the unit using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in the presence of severe respiratory distress and lung auscultation (PA) with intense rales and wheezing. He received rescue therapy and magnesium sulfate, maintaining the initial condition, and was adapted to NIV. After another bronchodilator rescue and 120 minutes of NIV, the persistent pattern led the team to adapt NIV with Heliox to avoid orotracheal intubation. Progressive improvement in respiratory parameters and lung auscultation was observed, initiating NIV weaning within 24 hours. The patient spent 4 days on NIV and 8 days in hospital, and was then referred for outpatient follow-up. Conclusion: The combination of Heliox with mechanical ventilation in obstructive pulmonary disease is a promising therapy and may become an option for ventilatory rescue in children who do not respond to conventional treatment. As demonstrated, this approach appears effective and safe in avoiding orotracheal intubation, with no adverse effects or rebound after discontinuation of therapy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Cássio Daniel Araújo da Silva, Bruna Luzia da Silva Peixoto Magno, Larissa dos Santos Guarany, Giovanna Novaes Andreaza, Danielle Fortuna de Almeida, Ana Paula Fernandes Moreira, Laila de Moraes Silva, Patrícia Vieira Fernandes (Autor)
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