An exceptional cause of acute respiratory failure in an infant: negative pressure pulmonary edema

Göktuğ Özdemir, Zeynelabidin Ozturk

Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric Health and Disease Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: Göktuğ Özdemir; E-mail: gktg.ozd@gmail.com

Abstract
Acute respiratory failure is an important reason for pediatric intensive care admissions. Lung parenchymal disease, airway obstruction, or neuromuscular dysfunction are the most common causes. Negative pressure pulmonary edema, characterized by pulmonary edema associated with upper airway obstruction, can rarely cause sudden onset respiratory failure. Herein, we describe an infant who suffered sudden onset respiratory failure and pulmonary hemorrhage while being held facedown for a bath, was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, intubated and mechanically ventilated for three days, and was diagnosed with negative pressure pulmonary edema, and discharged without any sequelae. Negative pressure pulmonary edema is a rare entity. Its true frequency is not known due to the
lack of awareness. This report aimed to increase clinician familiarity with negative pressure pulmonary edema in patients with sudden onset respiratory failure and/or pulmonary hemorrhage.
Key words: Acute respiratory failure, negative pressure pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, upper airway obstruction

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