The Efficacy of High-frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) for the
Improvement of Symptoms in Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether high-frequency chest wall
oscillation (HFCWO) could improve the symptoms of children with
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.We recruited 157 children with M.
pneumoniae pneumonia between February 2017 and December 2018. We
collated clinical data for each subject and then randomly divided the
subjects into a control group (n=82) and an HFCWO group (n=75). Subjects
in the control group were given azithromycin, budesonide, ipratropium
bromide, and salbutamol. The HFCWO group received all of the treatments
given to the control group but also received HFCWO. A range of tests
were carried out on each group before treatment and 7 days after
treatment, including chest X-ray, routine blood tests, C-reactive
protein (CRP) levels, and lung function; we also recorded the duration
of fever and cough. Treatment efficacy (based on upper respiratory tract
symptoms) was better in the HFCWO group than in the control group
(P=0.03). Levels of CRP were significantly lower in the HFCWO group.
Patients in the HFCWO group also had shorter durations of fever and
cough, and shorter stays in hospital (P<0.05). Treatment costs
were also significantly lower in the HFCWO
group(P<0.05).Relative to predicted values, forced expiratory
volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory
flow (PEF), were all significantly improved in the HFCWO
group(P<0.05). In conclusion, the combination of adjuvant
treatment with HFCWO will be of significant benefit to children with M.
pneumoniae pneumonia. This treatment combination improves clinical
symptoms, reduces the length of hospital stay, and reduces costs.