Manual Hyperinflation, A Novel Technique in Physiotherapy of Pediatric Post Cardiac Surgery Patients

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy plays an important role in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after cardiac surgery, and  addition of manual  hyperinflation (MHI) to physiotherapy program may help early weaning from mechanical ventilation  and decrease length of stay in PICU.

Objective: To measure the effect of MHI on ventilation period and ICU stay days in pediatric post cardiac surgery  patients.

Patients and methods: Thirty patients from both sexes were selected from PICU at Academic Institute for Heart Surgery, Ain Shams University. Their ages ranged from 6 to 36 months.

Results: There was a significant decrease in PaCO₂ post treatment compared with that pre-treatment in the study and control groups (p>0.05). There was a significant increase in PaO2 post treatment compared with that pre-treatment in the study and control groups (p>0.001). Comparison between groups post treatment revealed a significant increase in PaO₂ and a significant decrease in PaCO2 of the study group compared with that of the control group (p>0.01). There was a significant decrease in ventilation days and ICU stay days of the study group.

Conclusion: Based on this study, it could be concluded that manual hyperinflation improves arterial oxygenation and reduces length of stay in PICU.