13 Oct 2025 • A network meta-analysis of 8,163 children with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) significantly reduced the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.61) and treatment failure versus standard oxygen therapy, with high-certainty evidence.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) also lowered treatment failure (RR 0.52) but increased PICU admissions and intolerance. Compared with HFNC, CPAP prolonged support duration and raised pressure injury risk.

Overall, CPAP emerged as the most effective non-invasive support, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Source: The Lancet | Read Full Story