Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in neonates and children: reaching a European consensus

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was first used in neonatal practice in 1992 and has subsequently been used extensively in the management of neonates and children with cardiorespiratory failure. This paper assesses evidence for the use of iNO in this population as presented to a consensus meeting jointly organised by the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, the European Society of Paediatric Research and the European Society of Neonatology. Consensus Guidelines on the Use of iNO in Neonates and Children were produced following discussion of the evidence at the consensus meeting

Integrated care pathways for airway diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs)

The objective of Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs) is to launch a collaboration to develop multi-sectoral care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases in European countries and regions. AIRWAYS-ICPs has strategic relevance to the European Union Health Strategy and will add value to existing public health knowledge by: 1) proposing a common framework of care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases, which will facilitate comparability and trans-national initiatives; 2) informing cost-effective policy development, strengthening in particular those on smoking and environmental exposure; 3) aiding risk stratification in chronic disease patients, using a common strategy; 4) having a significant impact on the health of citizens in the short term (reduction of morbidity, improvement of education in children and of work in adults) and in the long-term (healthy ageing); 5) proposing a common simulation tool to assist physicians; and 6) ultimately reducing the healthcare burden (emergency visits, avoidable hospitalisations, disability and costs) while improving quality of life. In the longer term, the incidence of disease may be reduced by innovative prevention strategies. AIRWAYSICPs was initiated by Area 5 of the Action Plan B3 of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. All stakeholders are involved (health and social care, patients, and policy makers)