RESULTS
A total of 622 children were initiated on long-term NIV in the province
of Alberta over the study period. The median age for NIV initiation 7.8
(IQR 9.2) years and 61% were males (Table 1). The most common
diagnostic category was upper airway disorders, followed by disorders of
the central nervous system (CNS; specific underlying disorders specified
in Table 2). A quarter of children were using a technology in addition
to NIV therapy (Table 1). CPAP was used by 75% of children and the most
common mask type was a nasal mask (62%). 73% of children were
initiated electively after a PSG study while 18% started NIV during a
hospital admission. Forty-six percent of children continued NIV, 39%
discontinued, 14% were transferred to adult services, and 1% were lost
to follow-up. Of the children who discontinued NIV, 16% of the total
discontinued due to improvements in the underlying conditions, 15% of
patients/family declined continuing NIV therapy, 5% died, and 1%
switched to IMV. Follow up data were available for 97% of children for
the initial follow-up visit and 61% had sufficient data for inclusion
at the most current visit. A total of 93% of children reported at least
one NIV-related complication during the initial follow-up visit and 90%
in the most current follow-up visit.