Risk and benefits of Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for neonatal and childhood respiratory diseases in Low- and Middle-Income countries

Abstract

Over 80% of the global burden of childhood deaths occur in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Of the leading causes of death, respiratory failure is common to the top three. Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP) is a standard therapy considered safe and cost effective in high resource settings. Although high-quality trials from LMIC are few, pooled available trial data considered alongside studies from high-income countries suggest that bCPAP: (i) reduces mortality; (ii) reduces the need for mechanical ventilation; and (iii) prevents extubation failure. Wider availability and optimal use at all levels of the health care system in LMIC are important steps to improve childhood survival. Studies aimed at effectively implementing, and sustaining safe use of bCPAP in the resource limited setting of LMIC are required.

Keywords: Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP); Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC); Nasal cannulas (NC); Under-Five Mortality (U5M).