Home-based High-Flow Nasal Cannula in an Infant with Airway Malacia: A Case Report
Pallab Chatterjee, Somnath Maity, Amrita Roy, Agnisekar SahaAbstract
High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has emerged as an effective noninvasive respiratory support modality for pediatric patients. However, its application in home-based care, particularly for infants with complex airway disorders, remains underexplored in resource-limited settings. We present the case of a 3-month-old female infant diagnosed with laryngo-tracheo-broncho-malacia who was successfully transitioned from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home-based HFNC therapy. This case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of home-based HFNC therapy in infants with airway malacia when implemented with structured parental education, robust technical support, and systematic follow-up protocols. Home-based respiratory support can facilitate early NICU discharge, reduce healthcare-associated infection risks, enhance family bonding, and potentially improve long-term developmental outcomes while maintaining clinical safety.