Hi all, my 6 year old daughter is going on 30 straight nights of bipap therapy and we are very proud of her.  It was certainly not easy in the beginning but she has adjusted pretty well.  We have a respironics s/t bipap machine with a smart card.  I run the reports every few days.  Does anyone out there have any idea what the target ranges are for tidal volume and peak flow?  I have read online for tidal volume (exhaled) it should be anywhere from 6ml -12ml per kg of weight.  Does this sound right?  What about peak flow?  She is on a back up rate of 15 with a pressure of 14/6.  She needs the pressure for obstruction and back up for hypoventilation and CO2 retention.  Her reports always show VERY LOW patient initiated breaths which I think is okay because we need the 15 breaths a minute to help get rid of CO2.

Any input on tidal volume (exhaled) and peak flow (inspiratory) would be GREATLY appreciated.

                                                                        Thanks, Kara (Sami's mom)

Treating a child that young requires a Pediatric Pulmonologist in addition to a sleep Doc. Some sleep Docs are Pulmonologists but not all.

This is definitely a question for him/her.....  If you don't have a Pulmo on the case talk to your Primary Care Doc. about it. PAP can cause problems in children.

 I assume she's on a humidifier... Keep it clean or it can be a breeding place for respritory bugs
Find the best Pulmno and stay close to them

In a child I assume these are largely "Central Nervous System" Apneas.....Yes?

Best of luck
Ken



Last edited by Ken Angel on Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

When I read your post I thought you said 6MOS instead of 6 Years.... the dehydration is not a big issue at that age. The rest stands

Also be aware that central apnea is often associated with Attention Deficit Disorder. Don't be concerned, just be alert as he/she starts School

Ken