Ventilation Intensity and Prognosis in Pediatric Oncology: Mechanical Power, Compliance, and Mortality Risk

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

ABSTRACT Background Mechanical power (MP) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) are key determinants of ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) and mortality. This study aimed to identify variables associated with MP and Cdyn and evaluate their impact on mortality and ventilator‐free days (VFD) in critically ill children with cancer. ppul71711-sec-0010 Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study of 57 patients. Multivariate logistic regression and competing risk models were applied to assess predictors of mortality and VFD. ppul71711-sec-0020 Results The median age was 69 months, with a median of three organ dysfunctions. Mechanical power normalized by dynamic compliance (MP/Cdyn) emerged as an independent predictor of mortality across multivariable models: MP/Cdyn was significantly associated with death alongside the number of organ dysfunctions (OR: 5.44, 95% CI: 1.78–18.6,= 0.003; OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07–2.47,= 0.023), platelet count 1.11 (= 0.016). Higher MP was also associated with fewer 28‐day VFD (SHR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.8,= 0.026). VFD also correlated with Cdyn/PBW, PCO,‐lines on lung ultrasound, and oxygen saturation index. ppul71711-sec-0030 Conclusions In critically ill children with cancer, elevated mechanical power is strongly linked to reduced ICU survival and fewer VFD. These findings highlight the prognostic importance of ventilation strategies in this vulnerable population. ppul71711-sec-0040