[Chronic respiratory failure in children. Evaluation and management].

Chronic respiratory insufficiency in childhood can be caused by a heterogeneous group of diseases of which the management and prognosis differ. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants and cystic fibrosis and neuromuscular diseases in older children, represent the most common causes of chronic respiratory insufficiency. The improvements in medical treatments, with the development of long term oxygen therapy and non invasive mechanical ventilatory assistance, have contributed to the increased survival and the better quality of life of these children. An objective evaluation of treatments, such as long term oxygen therapy and non invasive mechanical ventilation, are warranted to improve the indications and benefits of these therapies.