High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis—Trends of Use in Norway - Report - MDSpire
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Trends in the Utilization of High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Acute Bronchiolitis in Infants in Norway

  • By

  • Knut Øymar

  • Joel Selvakumar

  • Maren Våland Øymar

  • Ingvild Dalen

  • Ken Erik Klaseie

  • Ujinthini Sivanantham

  • Kasper Øvsthus

  • Inger Heimdal

  • Kari Holte

  • Kari Risnes

  • Ketil Størdal

  • Claus Klingenberg

  • June 9, 2026

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Clinical Report: Trends in the Utilization of High-Flow Nasal Cannula and CPAP

Overview

This study evaluates the use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treating bronchiolitis in infants across five hospitals in Norway, highlighting trends in utilization over three seasons and differences in application between hospitals.

Background

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory condition in infants, leading to significant hospitalizations. Effective management is crucial to reduce the burden on pediatric departments. The introduction of HFNC as a non-invasive respiratory support option has changed treatment approaches.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • 2%-3% of infants are hospitalized for bronchiolitis in their first year of life.
  • Standard oxygen therapy (SOT) is commonly used for mild to moderate respiratory distress.
  • CPAP has historically been used as a rescue therapy for infants not responding to SOT.
  • HFNC is increasingly preferred over CPAP due to better tolerance and fewer side effects.
  • Clear guidelines for the use of HFNC and CPAP are needed.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a shift towards HFNC in managing bronchiolitis. However, the need for standardized guidelines is emphasized.

Conclusion

The study highlights the evolving landscape of respiratory support for bronchiolitis in infants.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Comparison of Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Improving Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Outcomes in Preterm Infants
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Acute Respiratory Failure: A Bibliometric Analysis of Current Trends and Future Directions
  3. Respiratory Care -- High-Flow Nasal Cannula in COPD: An Update in Current Evidence
  4. NICE, 2021 -- Recommendations | Bronchiolitis in children: diagnosis and management
  5. RCPCH, 2025 -- National guidance for the management of children in hospital with viral respiratory tract infections
  6. Intensive Care Medicine — Review of Key Developments in Intensive Care Medicine for 2009: Focus on Mechanical Ventilation, Acute Lung Injury, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pediatric Considerations, Ethical Issues, and Additional Topics
  7. WHO Guidelines on HFNC for Infants and Children
  8. Australasian Bronchiolitis Guideline: 2025 Update
  9. Recommendations | Bronchiolitis in children: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  10. National guidance for the management of children in hospital with viral respiratory tract infections (2025) | RCPCH
  11. High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy for Infants With Bronchiolitis | AAFP
  12. High‐Flow Oxygen Therapy vs. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Hospitalised Bronchiolitis: A Meta‐Analysis - PMC
  13. High-flow nasal cannula therapy versus continuous positive airway pressure for non-invasive respiratory support in paediatric critical care: the FIRST-ABC RCTs
  14. Comparison of 3 different flow rates of high-flow nasal cannula (1 L/kg/min versus 2 L/kg/min versus 3 L/kg/min) in management of children admitted with bronchiolitis: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed

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