Comparison of nasal prongs with nasal catheters in the delivery of oxygen to children with hypoxia

Efficient, inexpensive, and safe methods of oxygen delivery are needed for children with severe pneumonia in developing countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of complications when nasal catheters or nasal prongs are used to delivery oxygen. Ninety-nine children between 2 weeks and 5 years of age with hypoxia were randomized to receive oxygen via nasal catheter (49 children) or nasal prongs (50 children). There was no difference in the incidence of hypoxaemic episodes or in the oxygen flow rates between the two groups. Mucus production was more of a problem in the catheter group. Nasal blockage, intolerance to the method of administration, and nursing effort were generally higher amongst the catheter group, but these differences were not significant, except for nursing effort, when all age groups were analysed together.