Review
Introduction
Over the last decade, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC)
has increasingly been used for oxygen delivery in neonatology
departments, gradually replacing nasal continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP). Its use in pediatrics
departments is more recent and generally is restricted to
children with moderate bronchiolitis. The cannula was
first employed in intensive care units (ICUs), then in
emergency departments, and today is finding use during
pre- or inter-hospital transport.
Clinicians are quite rightly raising questions about
where it should be positioned among the systems of noninvasive
respiratory support, such as high-concentration
face masks and nasal CPAP. Its mode of action is original
and complex. Initiating HFNC is relatively simple, but
close monitoring is essential. Since the critical review of