TY - JOUR T1 - Tension pneumocephalus induced by high-flow nasal cannula ventilation in a neonate JF - Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition JO - Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed SP - F173 LP - F175 DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309777 VL - 102 IS - 2 AU - Alicia Iglesias-Deus AU - Alejandro Pérez-Muñuzuri AU - Olalla López-Suárez AU - Pilar Crespo AU - Maria-Luz Couce Y1 - 2017/03/01 UR - http://fn.bmj.com/content/102/2/F173.abstract N2 - The use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy as respiratory support for preterm infants has increased rapidly worldwide. The evidence available for the use of HFNC is as an alternative to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and in particular to prevent postextubation failure. We report a case of tension pneumocephalus in a preterm infant as a complication during HFNC ventilation. Significant neurological impairment was detected and support was eventually withdrawn. Few cases of pneumocephalus as a complication of positive airway pressure have been reported in the neonatal period, and they all have been related to CPAP. This report reinforces the need to be aware of this rare but possible complication during HFNC therapy, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent neurological sequelae. We also stress the importance of paying close attention to flow rate, nasal cannula size and insertion, and mouth position, and of regularly checking insertion depth. ER -