Perfil da população pediátrica em ventilação mecânica acompanhada pelo Programa Melhor em Casa de Porto Alegre

INTRODUCTION: Home care constitutes a healthcare strategy that extends assistance beyond the hospital environment, particularly in cases requiring technological support, such as mechanical ventilation. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the profile of pediatric patients receiving mechanical ventilation under the supervision of the Better at Home Program in the municipality of Porto Alegre. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted through the analysis of medical records of children and adolescents receiving home mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of eighteen medical records were analyzed. The majority of patients were male (61%), with a mean age of 7.84 years. The most prevalent primary diagnosis was Duchenne muscular dystrophy (22%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was employed in 78% of cases, with an average daily use of 18 hours. Ventilatory insufficiency was the leading cause of ventilatory dependence (68%), and 78% of patients required oxygen therapy. In terms of nutritional support, 56% of patients were fed orally, while gastrostomy was used in 71% of cases. Regarding hospitalizations, 72% had been hospitalized at least once, with urinary tract infections being the most prevalent cause (33%). In 94% of cases, the mother served as the primary caregiver, typically with low educational attainment and fully dedicated to providing home care. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the understanding of the clinical and social needs of pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation, underscoring the importance of home care and the need for intersectoral public policies that promote comprehensive and integrated care.