This study aims to explore whether bubble CPAP is able to improve outcomes of children with severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia who receive care in non-tertiary, district hospitals. We also aim to understand the feasibility and acceptability of introducing and using locally made innovative low-cost bubble CPAP in these real-life settings in two selected district hospitals, prior to commencing our multicentre trial.

Hypoxaemia, a low level of oxygen in the blood, is one of the main risk factors for death due to pneumonia among children.

District hospitals in Bangladesh are considered as secondary level referral hospitals and usually provide care of paediatric patients in paediatric wards, including children with pneumonia and severe pneumonia.

District hospitals do not have additional respiratory support available to children who are failing to improve following treatment with low-flow oxygen supplementation, the World Health Organization standard. As a result, these children may die due to lack of availability of additional respiratory support.

Bubble CPAP (a low-cost, locally made device to deliver oxygen) improved survival rates when provided to treat severe pneumonia in tertiary hospitals. This study will explore whether the same technology made available in district hospitals could provide the same patient benefit.

This study aims to explore whether bubble CPAP is able to improve outcomes of children with severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia who receive care in non-tertiary, district hospitals. We also aim to understand the feasibility and acceptability of introducing and using locally made innovative low-cost bubble CPAP in these real-life settings in two selected district hospitals, prior to commencing our multicentre trial.

For further information please see: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/respire/acute-respiratory-disorders/bubble-cpap