New therapy for hydrocarbon pneumonitis--nasal prongs continuous positive airway pressure (NPCPAP).

Respiratory failure and conscious disturbance developed in a 18-month-old girl following ingestion of an unknown quantity of spot remover solution, a petroleum distillate product. Rapid deterioration was noted within 2 hours after ingestion. The patient became stable in condition and dramatically improved through intensive care with respiratory support by using nasal prongs continuous positive airway pressure (NPCPAP). To our knowledge, this may be the first case being successfully managed with this technique.