The main objective of this study is to develop a protocol for the safe use of b-CPAP in children under five years with severe pneumonia or bronchiolitis in Senegal, based on evidence from a review of the literature.

We conducted a literature review on the use of b-CPAP in pneumonia and bronchiolitis in resource-limited countries. We included only randomized studies and meta-analyses in children under five years of age with pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Out of a total of 27 studies identified in our search, we included four randomized trials, including a total of 2181 patients. The age of patients was 28 days-59 months in three studies, and less than 12 months in one study. Overall, the use of b-CPAP was associated with improvements in clinical outcomes: reduced mortality, fewer signs of respiratory distress, and shorter hospitalization lengths, except for one study that identified a worse outcome when b-CPAP was used without medical supervision. Based on these data, we have developed a management protocol that we plan to test and roll out in Senegal.

We propose an evidence-based protocol that should be feasible, safe, and applicable in remote regions of Senegal. However, its effectiveness should be monitored and evaluated based on the clinical outcomes observed after implantation.