ABSTRACT
Respiratory mechanics and maxillofacial development are different in children as compared with adults, which justifies age-adapted ventilators and interfaces. There is, however, a paucity of ventilators and interfaces available for young children. In the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), ICU ventilators may be used for NIPPV, but the lack of commercial interfaces which may be used instantly in the acute setting represents a major limitation for a wider use of NIPPV. In the chronic setting, a growing number of young patients are treated with NIPPV. These patients represent a heterogeneous group, not only
with regard to the underlying disease, but also with regard to age, weight and maxillofacial physiognomy.13 Numerous children have genetic diseases associated with facial deformities, such as Treacher Collins syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome, Pierre Robin syndrome, achondroplasia, or oste ogenesis imperfecta. Individually adapted interfaces are thus mandatory for these patients.
