Noninvasive ventilation is increasingly and successfully used as first respiratory approach in several, but not all, Italian PICUs. The current study shows that noninvasive ventilation represents a feasible and safe technique of ventilatory assistance for the treatment of mild acute respiratory failure. Noninvasive ventilation was used as primary mode of ventilation in children with low respiratory tract infection (mainly in bronchiolitis and pneumonia), in acute on chronic respiratory failure or to prevent reintubation.

The chances of predicting CDH outcome are fairly high. During prenatal age, only a few findings may be obtained. Conversely, many postnatal indexes and scores can reliably predict such outcome.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare anomaly causing respiratory distress in newborns. While the primary surgical technique is well established, the timing of the removal of the stents and the management of restenosis remain a matter of debate. We report a case of a female newborn affected by CNPAS with the recurrence of respiratory distress after primary surgery due to the early removal of nasal stents, causing an overgrowth of granulation tissue. This report notes that restenosis was successfully managed by repeating the procedure over a 14-day period, with soft polyvinyl chloride uncuffed tracheal tubes acting as nasal stents.

Background. The study aims to verify if the time of preoperative stabilization (≤24 or >24 hours) could be predictive for the severity of clinical condition among patients affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Methods. 55 of the 73 patients enrolled in the study achieved presurgical stabilization and underwent surgical correction. Respiratory and hemodynamic indexes, postnatal scores, the need for advanced respiratory support, the length of HFOV, tracheal intubation, PICU, and hospital stay were compared between patients reaching stabilization in ≤24 or >24 hours. Results. Both groups had a 100% survival rate. Neonates stabilized in ≤24 hours are more regular in the postoperative period and had an easier intensive care path; those taking >24 hours showed more complications and their care path was longer and more complex. Conclusions. The length of preoperative stabilization does not affect mortality, but is a valid parameter to identify difficulties in survivors' clinical pathway.