Longitudinal changes in clinical characteristics and outcomes for children using long-term non-invasive ventilation.

Objectives: To describe longitudinal trends in long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) use in children including changes in clinical characteristics, NIV technology, and outcomes.

Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort of all children started on long-term NIV from 2005 to 2014. All children 0 to 18 years who used NIV continuously for at least 3 months were included.