High Flow Nasal Cannula Rates in Pediatric Asthma

The purpose of this feasibility trial is to examine the safety and efficacy of high flow nasal cannula in moderate to severe pediatric asthma exacerbations. Eligible patients will be admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after initial presentation to the emergency department (ED) or as a transfer from an outside hospital ED. Patients will be admitted to the PICU on standard asthma therapy (continuous albuterol and systemic corticosteroids) based on the discretion of the treating ED physician. Upon PICU admission, eligible patients will be consented, enrolled, and randomized into the study. All patients will be continued on standard asthma therapy of continuous albuterol at 20mg/hr and systemic intravenous corticosteroids. Patient will be randomized into one of three groups: (1) conventional oxygen therapy at 2L/min via standard facemark (control group), (2) high flow nasal cannula at 4L/min, and (3) high flow nasal cannula at 2L/kg/min (max 60L/min). Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) scores and vital signs will be taken at baseline and hourly for two hours. After the two-hour long study is completed, patients will be placed on a respiratory support modality as per the treating physician's discretion. Patients will be followed longitudinally after study completion.