Heliox Gas

HELIOX GAS

Heliox has been widely used and supported in many pediatric emergency departments and intensive care units in the last decade. Clinical evidence for the efficacy of heliox is predominantly anecdotal in case reports or uncontrolled studies. Heliox has been introduced and used as an adjunct to the care of infants and children with both upper and lower airway obstruction. Because of its lower density, Heliox provides a more laminar flow in obstructed airways, helping to reduce WOB, respiratory distress, and post-extubation stridor.

Evidence supports that Heliox is beneficial in post-extubation stridor, upper airway obstruction, and prevents intubation in patients with bronchiolitis, but the evidence is relatively scarce. Evidence for other pediatric obstructive diseases (croup, asthma, and mechanically ventilated bronchiolitis) is largely anecdotal or inconclusive. The cost of heliox compared to racemic epinephrine warrants its consideration as first-line therapy for obstructive airway disorders. Randomized clinical trials with pediatric patients are needed to determine the feasibility and benefits of Heliox therapy.

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STUDIES

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