Hemodynamic changes in children with hypercapnic respiratory failure during respiratory syncytial virus infection
Abstract
Acute bronchiolitis associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is an example of progressive hypercapnic hypoventilation. Acute bronchiolitis is the most difficult course of the disease, and lower airways' obstruction is difficult to control.
Typical symptoms are progressive tachypnoea, grunting, chest retraction, increased difficulty in breathing, hypoventilation, and mixed dyspnoea, all of which are resistant to bronchodilatory or anti-inflammatory therapy. Increased airway resistance causes parallel hyperinflation and alveoli consolidation.
These pulmonary pathophysiological changes are a source of such complications as pneumonia, fluidothorax, and others. Severe pulmonary pathology causes cardiopupmonary interaction that has an adverse impact on blood circulation.
The consequences of such interaction are right ventricle pressure overload, a reduction in pulmonary flow, and a decrease in cardiac output. This situation has caused complications and limits the possibilities of conventional ventilation.