Effects of high-flow nasal catheter and noninvasive mechanical ventilation on respiratory failure after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Objective To observe the reintubation rate of acute respiratory failure after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) by two kinds of oxygen therapy (HFNC) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Methods Sixty-seven patients were treated with HFNC (observation group), and 80 patients were treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation(control group). The baseline of the two groups was comparable. Results The rate of re-intubation and ICU stay time was 18.42% (14/76), (5.35±1.95) din control group and 7.50% (6/80), (3.42±1.61) d in observation group. The difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.159, P=0.041; t=5.135, P=0.025).The respiratory rate、SpO2, PaO2, PaCO2 was (28.27±4.32)beats/min, 0.9107±0.0130, (86.43±5.66)mmHg, (57.44±5.73) mmHg in observation group and (24.84±2.48) beats/min, 0.8867±0.0309, (81.31±2.85) mmHg, (65.38±10.00) mmHg in control group. The difference was statistically significant (t=5.189-58.502, all P<0.01 or<0.05). Conclusion HFNC can improve the respiratory function of patients with myasthenia gravis after thymectomy, reduce the incidence of respiratory failure and re-intubation rate. Key words: Myasthenia gravis; High-flow nasal catheter oxygen inhalation; Noninvasive mechanical ventilation; Reintubation rate; Myasthenia gravis