To determine whether or not high frequency chest wall oscillation (in the form of the VestTM) is superior to regular asthma therapy in the management of children hospitalized with moderate to severe asthma.

A historically controlled pilot study was conducted in pediatric patients 18 months to 18 years of age hospitalized with a diagnosis of asthma or reactive airway disease and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. Upon receiving informed consent, patients were treated with HFCWO therapy via the VEST. The primary endpoint was time to readiness for discharge, lack of need for continued supportive care (e.g., intravenous fluid or oxygen), and bronchodilator treatments spaced at least four hours apart.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any pediatric patient between the ages of 18 months and 18 years admitted to Winthrop University Hospital's pediatric floor or intensive care unit with a diagnosis of asthma or reactive airway disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic, comorbid respiratory conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis)
• Those who regularly use HFCWO
• Any patient exhibiting an absolute contraindication to HFCWO therapy
• Absolute contraindications to using HFCWO include head and neck injury prior to stabilization, and active hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability

Pediatric patients admitted with diagnosis of Asthma

ICU admission and hospital admission time