NiPPV in the Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbations

Study Summary: Title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Noninvasive Positive Airway Pressure in the Pediatric Emergency Department for the Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbations Principal Investigator: Thomas J. Abramo, MD Hypothesis: For acute moderate to severe pediatric asthma exacerbations the use of NIPPV/BiPAP, in conjunction with current standard of care therapies, will lead to a more rapid improvement in patient ventilation, faster resolution of respiratory distress and result in improved ventilatory parameters, secondary outcomes and pediatric asthma scores. Study Design: Prospective, randomized controlled trial Study Duration: This study will be conducted over a 36 month period. Sample Size: 240 subjects Population: Children ages 2-17 years of age presenting to the ED with Acute asthma exacerbation and a Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS) ≥ 8. Synopsis: Eligible subjects will be randomized to either a control group or study groups. The study groups will be either a NIPPV/BiPAP group. The subjects in the study groups will continue to receive all standard of care therapies per the asthma severity protocols. All nebulized therapies will be given through the NIPPV circuit. Patients will be assessed by the pediatric asthma score (PAS), measured respiratory parameters, volumetric end tidal carbon dioxide monitoring and measured cardiac parameters. Objectives: A. Evaluate if the use of NIPPV/BiPAP in conjunction with traditional inhaled beta-agonists improves the outcome in pediatric patients with acute moderate to severe asthma in the acute setting. B. Describe the physiology of NIPPV/BiPAP by measuring cardiac parameters in children randomized to a NIPPV group. C. Monitor safety of NIPPV/BiPAP use for acute asthma exacerbations in children. Safety A.: The study must be IRB approved. B.: Appropriate consent and assent documents will be obtained prior to enrolling the subject in the study. C.: A clear safety plan including DSMB will be established to moni