Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations: A Pilot Study

Asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) has been suggested as an adjunct therapy in the setting of moderate to severe asthma exacerbations. It is a form of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation that provides both an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) as well as an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP). The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of enrolling, randomizing, and completing data collection in at least 30 participants over a one-year period. The investigators will enroll children 5 to 17 years of age presenting to the emergency department with a moderate to severe asthma exacerbation. Eligible participants will be randomized into two groups: standard therapy (continuous albuterol) or standard therapy plus BPAP. The following data will be collected: Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score at 0, 2 and 4 hours, vital signs at 0, 2 and 4 hours, rate of adverse events and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions, duration continuous albuterol, length of hospital stay, and rates of intubations or deaths.