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. 2017 May 19;4(5):41. doi: 10.3390/children4050041

Table 5.

PAP complications and corresponding strategies.

Complications Strategies
Skin erythema and breakdown
  • Ensure proper fit

  • Alternate interfaces

  • Alternate interface compositions (e.g., gel, air)

  • Use of protective dressing and gel pads

Midface hypoplasia
  • Titrate pressure to minimum effective pressure

  • Maximize time off PAP

  • Routine evaluation of maxillomandibular growth

Gastric insufflations and aspiration
  • Avoid PAP if ongoing emesis

  • Vent Gastrostomy tube

  • Optimize GERD management

  • Monitor closely when PAP first introduced with concurrent feeds

Nasal congestion and epistaxis
  • Use supplemental humidification

  • Consider nasal steroids for congestion

  • Consider change from nasal to oronasal mask with intercurrent illness

Eye irritation
  • Ensure proper mask fit

  • Use artificial tears

Rebreathing carbon dioxide
  • Ensure smallest and best fitting mask used

  • Clinically assess oronasal and total face mask before discharge

Pulmonary air leak
  • Admit patient to hospital: decision to hold PAP or decrease pressure should be made on a case by case basis

  • Titrate pressure to minimum effective pressure

Cardiovascular complications
  • Caution in children with single ventricles or hypovolemic states

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; Adapted from [65].