High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Research Articles

Readiness Assessment for Extubation Planning in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Extubation failure is the reintubation of patients meeting criteria for weaning from mechanical ventilation. Extubation failure is correlated with mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer hospital stays. Noninvasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy after extubation is recommended to prevent extubation failure in high-risk patients. The extubation failure rate is unknown. Prophylactic measures (noninvasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula) after extubation are not commonly used and vary among clinicians. The objective was to assess extubation planning readiness by determining extubation failure rate, identifying high-risk patients, and determining prophylactic measure compliance. A quality improvement initiative included an evidence-based extubation failure risk assessment that identified high-risk patients and determined prophylactic measure compliance. A 2-year retrospective medical record review was used to determine baseline patient characteristics and extubation failure rate. Results Extubation failure rate within the retrospective cohort was 13 of 146 patients (8.9%). Extubation failure did not correlate with previously identified risk factors; however, 150 identified patients were excluded from analysis. During risk assessment integration, the extubation failure rate was 3 of 37 patients (8.1%) despite identifying 24 high-risk patients (65%). Few high-risk patients received prophylactic measures (noninvasive ventilation, 17%; high-flow nasal cannula, 12%). Extubation failure should be routinely measured because of its effects on patient outcomes. This project reveals the multifactorial nature of extubation failure. Further research is needed to assess patients' risk and account for acute conditions. This project used best practice guidelines for routine patient care and added transparency to a previously unmeasured event.

Effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mild hypercapnia: a retrospective cohort study based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database

To observe the effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild hypercapnia, and to evaluate the early predictive ability of physiological parameters in these patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) updated in September 2020 and the data of adult patients with COPD and mild hypercapnia [45 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) < arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) ≤ 60 mmHg] from 2008 to 2019 were collected. These patients were assigned to the HFNC group or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) group according to whether they received HFNC or NIV. Baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and physiological parameters were collected. A propensity score matching was conducted according to the baseline data of the HFNC group patients. The 48-hour and 28-day intubation rates, 28-day mortality, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the length of hospital stay, and the changes in physiological parameters within 48 hours after treatment were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn and the ratio of heart rate over pulse oxygen saturation (HR/SpO2) and ROX index [SpO2/(inhaled oxygen concentration, FiO2×respiratory rate, RR)] were analyzed to predict the 24-hour and 48-hour intubation rates. A total of 524 520 inpatient records were screened and 153 patients were included, while 37 patients in the HFNC group and 116 patients in NIV group. There were 31 patients in the HFNC group and 84 patients in the NIV group remained after propensity score matching according to the baseline data. There were no significant differences in the baseline data of gender, age, BMI, SAPS II, CCI score, physiological parameters and prognosis data except the length of ICU stay. The length of ICU stay in HFNC group was significant longer than that of the NIV group [days: 4.6 (3.1, 10.0) vs. 3.1 (1.6, 5.8), P < 0.05]. HR and RR at 40-48 hours were significantly lower than those at 0-8 hours after treatment only in the HFNC group [HR (bpm): 84.1±12.2 vs. 91.1±16.4, RR (times/min): 19.8±4.9 vs. 21.6±4.1, both P < 0.05]. Both in the HFNC group and NIV group the pH increased (7.42±0.08 vs. 7.36±0.05 and 7.41±0.06 vs. 7.36±0.05, both P < 0.05) and PaCO2 decreased significantly [mmHg: 46.3 (39.5, 51.0) vs. 49.8 (45.5, 54.0) and 46.0 (40.5, 51.5) vs. 49.5 (45.5, 55.3), both P < 0.05]. The HR, PaO2 were higher in the HFNC group than those in the HFNC group at 40-48 hours after treatment [HR (bpm): 91.1±15.4 vs. 84.1±12.2, PaO2 (mmHg): 99.5 (86.0, 132.3) vs. 85.8 (76.5, 118.0), both P < 0.05], PaO2/FiO2 were lower in the HFNC group than that in the HFNC group at 40-48 hours after treatment [mmHg: 223.8 (216.5, 285.0) vs. 278.0 (212.3, 306.0), P < 0.05]. Both HR/SpO2 and ROX index at 4 hours after treatment had predictive value for 24-hour and 48-hour intubation in the HFNC group. The areas under ROC curve (AUC) of HR/SpO2 at 4 hours after treatment in the HFNC group were larger than those of ROX index for predicting 24-hour and 48-hour intubation (24-hour: 0.649 vs. 0.574, 48-hour: 0.692 vs. 0.581, both P < 0.01); the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 4 hours HR/SpO2 and for ROX index predicting 24 hours and 48 hours intubation were 0.497-0.780, 0.567-0.799, 0.450-0.694 and 0.454-0.716, respectively. The high sensitivity of HR/SpO2 and ROX index in predicting 24-hour and 48-hour intubation were 84.6%, 92.9%, 88.2% and 94.4%, respectively, and the low specificity were 52.3%, 23.7%, 54.7% and 29.6%, respectively. HFNC can be used in COPD patients with mild hypercapnia, but it cannot replace NIV. The accuracy of ROX index at 4 hours after HFNC treatment in predicting intubation in COPD patients with mild hypercapnia is poor.

The role of respiratory therapists in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in China

To investigate the clinical practice of Chinese respiratory therapists (RTs) participating in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and summarize the experience and role of RTs in the treatment of pandemic infectious diseases. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the RTs who treated COVID-19 patients in 31 provinces, cities and autonomous regions in China. The survey questionnaire included the basic work of RTs, the specific work of the treatment for COVID-19 patients and problems encountered at work. A total of 126 questionnaires were issued and 40 valid questionnaires were collected from RTs who treated COVID-19 patients at 22 COVID-19 designated hospitals in 8 provinces and municipalities. This included 7 hospitals in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic. In their medical team, RTs accounted for 2.9% (1.5%, 6.7%) of medical staff, the working experience of the RTs was about (6.2±5.4) years, the ratio of RTs to beds was about 1:11 (1:5, 1:26), and 85.0% (34/40) of RTs were transferred from other hospitals. 97.5% (39/40) of RTs were involved in formulating individual respiratory care strategies in their medical teams, and they were all involved in the evaluation of respiratory care and decision-making as well as the early identification of deterioration of respiratory function. All RTs [100% (40/40)] indicated that they would actively monitor patients' respiratory status, increase the means and frequency of the monitoring, implement standardized oxygen therapy, prevent ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI), and standardize the management of artificial airway. However, less than 50% of RTs had carried out stress and strain, transpulmonary pressure, partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2), end-expiratory lung volume, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and other respiratory function monitoring. 85% of RTs conducted training and education related to respiratory care and formulated relevant standard operating procedures for their medical teams. More than 90% of RTs led the implementation of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC), pulmonary protective mechanical ventilation, prone ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation, airway management, transfer of critical patients, and other respiratory treatment. RTs performed their professional role fully in the assessment, decision-making, and clinical practice in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. However, the manpower shortage of RTs is extremely prominent, the practical experience has provided the basis for the future treatment of infectious respiratory diseases and effectively promoted the development of respiratory care in China.

Comparison of high-flow nasal oxygen cannula therapy versus a standard oxygen face mask in patients with hypostatic pneumonia.

ObjectiveWe assessed the clinical effects of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy and a standard oxygen atomizer mask on the respiratory tract in patients with hypostatic pneumonia.MethodsWe included patients with hypostatic pneumonia in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were provided continuous airway humidification by continuous oxygen atomization using either an HFNC or standard oxygen mask. Arterial blood gas analysis, the dyspnea score, inflammatory-related parameters, and adverse events of patients in the two groups were compared.ResultsFifty-five patients had HFNC delivery and 57 had a standard oxygen atomizer mask. After 7 days of treatment, patients in the HFNC group had a higher partial pressure of arterial blood oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (268.12±28.44 vs 238.28±30.04) and lower partial pressure of arterial blood carbon dioxide (38.02±8.84 vs 49.27±7.84 mmHg) than those in the standard oxygen mask group. The dyspnea score and inflammatory-related parameters in the HFNC group were significantly lower than those in the standard oxygen mask group. The incidence of adverse events was lower in the HFNC group than in the standard oxygen mask group.ConclusionHFNC therapy relieves clinical symptoms more quickly than a standard oxygen mask and reduces the incidence of adverse events.

Effectiveness of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients of acute pulmonary thromboembolism with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

BackgroundAcute Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is associated with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF), which is a leading cause of death in these patients. High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is a cornerstone of the treatment of respiratory failure. The aim of the present study is to explore the efficacy of HFNC in the treatment of patients of acute PTE with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in India. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients admitted to a tertiary care center with acute PTE with AHRF during the period from January 2018 to January 2020. After reviewing medical files, patients of acute PTE with AHRF treated with HFNC were included in the study. We analyzed the improvement in oxygenation parameters and respiratory rate, as well as outcome in these patients. ResultsDuring the above specified period, 12 patients suffering from PTE with AHRF were treated with HFNC. After 1 h of the initiation of HFNC along with anticoagulation, the respiratory parameters of patients significantly improved. HFNC was applied for a period of 6–10 days. None of the patients required intubation for AHRF, and all patients were discharged from the hospital on oral anticoagulants. ConclusionHFNC oxygen therapy in patients with acute PTE with AHRF showed rapid improvement of oxygenation and respiratory rate. HFNC oxygen therapy is an efficacious treatment for patients with AHRF secondary to acute PTE without any significant hemodynamic effect. It acts as a superior modality of oxygen therapy avoiding noninvasive and invasive ventilatory support.

Management of Postoperative Hypoxemia.

Hypoxemia is common in postoperative patients and is associated with prolonged hospital stays, high costs, and increased mortality. This review discusses the postoperative management of hypoxemia in regard to the use of conventional oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, CPAP, and noninvasive ventilation. The recommendations made are based on the currently available evidence.

Effects of high-flow oxygen therapy on patients with hypoxemia after extubation and predictors of reintubation: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database

BackgroundTo investigate the indications for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) therapy in patients with hypoxemia during ventilator weaning and to explore the predictors of reintubation when treatment fails.MethodsAdult patients with hypoxemia weaning from mechanical ventilation were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The patients were assigned to the treatment group or control group according to whether they were receiving HFNC or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) after extubation. The 28-day mortality and 28-day reintubation rates were compared between the two groups after Propensity score matching (PSM). The predictor for reintubation was formulated according to the risk factors with the XGBoost algorithm. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for reintubation prediction according to values at 4 h after extubation, which was compared with the ratio of SpO2/FiO2 to respiratory rate (ROX index).ResultsA total of 524,520 medical records were screened, and 801 patients with moderate or severe hypoxemia when undergoing mechanical ventilation weaning were included (100 < PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg), including 358 patients who received HFNC therapy after extubation in the treatment group. There were 315 patients with severe hypoxemia (100 < PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mmHg) before extubation, and 190 patients remained in the treatment group with median oxygenation index 166[157,180] mmHg after PSM. There were no significant differences in the 28-day reintubation rate or 28-day mortality between the two groups with moderate or severe hypoxemia (all P > 0.05). Then HR/SpO2 was formulated as a predictor for 48-h reintubation according to the important features predicting weaning failure. According to values at 4 h after extubation, the AUC of HR/SpO2 was 0.657, which was larger than that of ROX index (0.583). When the HR/SpO2 reached 1.2 at 4 h after extubation, the specificity for 48-h reintubation prediction was 93%.ConclusionsThe treatment effect of HFNC therapy is not inferior to that of NIV, even on patients with oxygenation index from 160 to 180 mmHg when weaning from ventilator. HR/SpO2 is more early and accurate in predicting HFNC failure than ROX index.

Comparison of Actual Performance in the Flow and Fraction of Inspired O2 among Different High-Flow Nasal Cannula Devices: A Bench Study.

Background High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy has been recommended for use in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory failure and many other clinical conditions. HFNC devices produced by different manufacturers may have varied performance. Whether there is a difference in these devices and the extent of the differences in performance remain unknown. Methods Four HFNC devices (AIRVO 2, TNI softFlow 50, HUMID-BH, and OH-70C) and a ventilator with an HFNC module (bellavista 1000) were evaluated. The flow was set at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, and 80 L/min, and the FiO2 was set at 21%, 26%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%. Then, one side of the cannulas was clipped to simulate the compression, bending, or blocking of the nasal cannulas. The flow and FiO2 of the delivered gas were recorded and compared among settings and devices. Results The actual-flow and actual-FiO2 delivered by different settings and devices varied. AIRVO 2 had superior performance in flow and FiO2 accuracy. bellavista 1000 and OH-70C had good performance in the accuracy of actual-flows and actual-FiO2, respectively. bellavista 1000 and HUMID-BH had a larger flow range from 10 to 80 L/min, but only bellavista 1000 could provide a stable flow with an excessive resistance up to 60 L/min. TNI softFlow 50 had the best flow compensation and could provide sufficient flow with excessive resistance at 20–50 L/min. Conclusions The variation in flow, FiO2 settings, and devices could influence the actual-flow and actual-FiO2 delivered. AIRVO 2 and OH-70C showed better FiO2 accuracy. TNI softFlow 50, bellavista 1000, and HUMID-BH could lower the risk of insufficient flow support due to accidental compression or blocking of the cannulas. In addition, ventilators with HFNC modules provided comparable flow and FiO2 and could be an alternative to standalone HFNC devices.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for outpatients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) provides benefits to patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy (FOB). We compared the effects of HFNC versus standard therapy (ST) on gas exchange, lung volume and diaphragm function...

Monitoring Transcutaneously Measured Partial Pressure of CO2 During Intubation in Critically Ill Subjects.

The risk for severe hypoxemia during endotracheal intubation is a major concern in the ICU, but little attention has been paid to CO2 variability. The objective of this study was to assess transcutaneously measured partial pressure of CO2 ([Formula: see text]) throughout intubation in subjects in the ICU who received standard oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, or noninvasive ventilation for preoxygenation. We hypothesized that the 3 methods differ in terms of ventilation and CO2 removal. In this single-center, prospective, observational study, we recorded [Formula: see text] from preoxygenation to 3 h after the initiation of mechanical ventilation among subjects requiring endotracheal intubation. Subjects were sorted into 3 groups according to the preoxygenation method. We then assessed the link between [Formula: see text] variability and the development of postintubation hypotension. A total of 202 subjects were included in the study. The [Formula: see text] values recorded at endotracheal intubation, at the initiation of mechanical ventilation, and after 30 min and 1 h of mechanical ventilation were significantly higher than those recorded during preoxygenation (P < .05). [Formula: see text] variability differed significantly according to the preoxygenation method (P < .001, linear mixed model). A decrease in [Formula: see text] by > 5 mm Hg within 30 min after the start of mechanical ventilation was independently associated with postintubation hypotension (odds ratio = 2.14 [95% CI 1.03-4.44], P = .039) after adjustments for age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, COPD, cardiac comorbidity, the use of propofol for anesthetic induction, and minute ventilation at the start of mechanical ventilation. [Formula: see text] variability during intubation is significant and differs with the method of preoxygenation. A decrease in [Formula: see text] after the beginning of mechanical ventilation was associated with postintubation hypotension. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT0388430.).

Worldwide Clinical Practice of High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Concomitant Aerosol Therapy in the Adult ICU Setting.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy has been broadly used. However, no consensus has been achieved on the practical implementation of HFNC and how to provide aerosol delivery during HFNC therapy in adult patients. An online anonymous questionnaire survey endorsed by 4 academic societies from America, Europe, mainland China, and Taiwan was administered from May to December 2019. Clinicians who had worked in adult ICUs for > 1 year and had used HFNC to treat patients within 30 days were included. A total of 2,279 participants clicked on the survey link, 1,358 respondents completed the HFNC section of the questionnaire, whereas 1,014 completed the whole survey. Postextubation hypoxemia and moderate hypoxemia were major indications for HFNC. The initial flow was mainly set at 40-50 L/min. Aerosol delivery via HFNC was used by 24% of the participants (248/1,014), 30% (74/248) of whom reported reducing flow during aerosol delivery. For the patients who required aerosol treatment during HFNC therapy, 40% of the participants (403/1,014) reported placing a nebulizer with a mask or mouthpiece while pursuing HFNC whereas 33% (331/1,014) discontinued HFNC to use conventional aerosol devices. A vibrating mesh nebulizer was the most commonly used nebulizer (40%) and was mainly placed at the inlet of the humidifier. The clinical utilization of HFNC was variable, as were indications, flow settings, and criteria for adjustment. Many practices associated with concomitant aerosol therapy were not consistent with available evidence for optimal use. More efforts are warranted to close the knowledge gap.

Home Management of Patients with Moderate or Severe Respiratory Failure Secondary to COVID-19, Using Remote Monitoring and Oxygen with or without HFNC.

Background: Home treatment of patients affected by COVID-19 is still a matter of daily debate. During the clinical evolution of the disease, there are high risks of lung failure, which requires oxygen therapy. Here, we report our clinical experience with at-home treatment using high-flow nasal cannula in non-hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19. Patients and methods: In this study, 18 patients with moderate-to-severe respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 were monitored at home daily for temperature and SpO2 measurements. Other parameters such as saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), SpO2/FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen), temperature, and lung performance were monitored periodically. Depending on oxygen requirements, the patients also received either standard oxygen via a face mask or, if higher FiO2 required, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). Results: All 18 patients had favourable outcomes and recovered from COVID-19. No death was recorded in this group. Conclusion: Our clinical experience proves that high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy may be considered for at-home treatment of COVID-19 patients with moderate lung failure. This could be useful for further treatment during the pandemic and may also be considered in future epidemics.

High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy in Long Hauler Covid-19 Patients

Long Hauler Covid-19 is a condition that describes a person who has recovered from Covid-19 and is declared with a negative PCR smear 2 times but still feels signs and symptoms for a longer period of time, even severe and critical symptoms. Most cases complicate Acute Respiratory Disorder Syndrome (ARDS), which can lead to death. Fulfilment of non-invasive high concentration oxygenation requirements as an intervention modality in this case. The purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of giving oxygen therapy through the High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) on the respiratory function of Covid-19 long haulier patients. The method of nursing care was a case study on 2 respondents with a descriptive approach method. There were 2 cases of Long haulier Covid-19 patients with comorbid smokers, Diabetes Mellitus, experiencing moderate ARDS complications, desaturation, and tachypnea. Patients received oxygen therapy intervention through HFNC while being treated in the critical care room, and after being given HFNC oxygen therapy for 5 days there was a decrease in respiratory frequency, a change in breathing pattern from shortness of breath to shortness of breath, an increase in oxygen saturation, an increase in the ROX Index, an increase in PO2 and blood pH in normal limit. Nursing care that focuses on respiratory management in covid-19 long haulier patients improves patient outcomes in particular, namely decreased respiratory rate, changes in the respiratory pattern of shortness of breath, increased oxygen saturation, increased ROX index, increased PO2 and blood pH within normal limits.

Effect of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy on Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease in Procedural Sedation: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

ObjectivesThe study was conducted to compare the outcome of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy with conventional oxygen therapy through a simple oxygen mask for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease during percutaneous intervention while under procedural sedation. DesignProspective, randomized and controlled trial. SettingA Cantonese cardiac center in China. ParticipantsTwo hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists classification II pediatric patients were enrolled from April 25, 2018 to November 28, 2018. InterventionsPatients scheduled for percutaneous closure of a heart defect under deep sedation with propofol, midazolam and fentanyl by an anesthesiologist were randomized (1:1) to receive oxygen therapy through a simple oxygen mask or through the HFNC system. Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome was the lowest oxygen saturation (SpO2). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of hypoxia (SpO2 < 90%), requirement for noninvasive respiratory support, change in the gastric antrum area and other adverse events. Blood gas analysis results also were compared. Oxygen therapy through the HFNC system improved the lowest SpO2 (99% [94%-100%]), as compared with the mask group (99% [72%-100%]), p < 0.001. Seven patients out of 99 (7.1%) in the mask group had hypoxia or required bag-mask ventilation, whereas no such patient was reported in the HFNC group, p < 0.001. There were no differences between the groups in terms of gastric distention, procedure length, total propofol dose, atropine use or other complications. ConclusionWhen compared with simple mask oxygenation, HFNC could reduce the incidence of desaturation, the need for airway assisted ventilation and risk of carbon dioxide retention without causing hemodynamic instability or gastric distention. It is effective for pediatric patients with non-cyanotic congenital heart disease who require procedural sedation.

Early Improvement of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients With COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective Analysis

BackgroundSince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been over 2 million deaths globally. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be the main cause of death.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the clinical features, outcomes, and ARDS characteristics of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Chongqing, China.MethodsThe epidemiology of COVID-19 from January 21, 2020, to March 15, 2020, in Chongqing, China, was analyzed retrospectively, and 75 ICU patients from two hospitals were included in this study. On day 1, 56 patients with ARDS were selected for subgroup analysis, and a modified Poisson regression was performed to identify predictors for the early improvement of ARDS (eiARDS).ResultsChongqing reported a 5.3% case fatality rate for the 75 ICU patients. The median age of these patients was 57 (IQR 25-75) years, and no bias was present in the sex ratio. A total of 93% (n=70) of patients developed ARDS during ICU stay, and more than half had moderate ARDS. However, most patients (n=41, 55%) underwent high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, but not mechanical ventilation. Nearly one-third of patients with ARDS improved (arterial blood oxygen partial pressure/oxygen concentration >300 mm Hg) in 1 week, which was defined as eiARDS. Patients with eiARDS had a higher survival rate and a shorter length of ICU stay than those without eiARDS. Age (<55 years) was the only variable independently associated with eiARDS, with a risk ratio of 2.67 (95% CI 1.17-6.08).ConclusionsA new subphenotype of ARDS—eiARDS—in patients with COVID-19 was identified. As clinical outcomes differ, the stratified management of patients based on eiARDS or age is highly recommended.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in Covid-19 : a case of complete resolution despite invasive positive pressure ventilation

We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to Covid-19 respiratory failure. During his hospital stay, he developed a spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP). To date, there have been few reports of SP associated with Covid-19 and even less is known about the impact of positive pressure ventilation on these patients. Our patient was first treated with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC). Because of further respiratory deterioration, he was supported with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Later, he required intubation and ventilation with invasive positive pressure ventilation. Despite this, a complete spontaneous resolution of the pneumomediastinum was observed 13 days after the initial diagnosis.

Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations

Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations

Risk of Aerosol Formation During High-Flow Nasal Cannula Treatment in Critically Ill Subjects.

There is a persistent concern over the risk of respiratory pathogen transmission, including SARS-CoV-2, via the formation of aerosols (ie, a suspension of microdroplets and residual microparticles after evaporation) generated during high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy in critically ill patients. This concern is fueled by limited available studies on this subject. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that HFNC treatment is not associated with increased aerosol formation as compared to conventional oxygen therapy. We used laser light scattering and a handheld particle counter to detect and quantify aerosols in healthy subjects and in adults with acute respiratory disease, including COVID-19, during HFNC or conventional oxygen therapy. The use of HFNC was not associated with increased formation of aerosols as compared to conventional oxygen therapy in both healthy subjects (n = 3) and subjects with acute respiratory disease, including COVID-19 (n = 17). In line with scarce previous clinical and experimental findings, our results indicate that HFNC itself does not result in overall increased aerosol formation as compared to conventional oxygen therapy. This suggests there is no increased risk of respiratory pathogen transmission to health care workers during HFNC.

Noninvasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy for severe community-acquired pneumonia.

We review the evidence on the use of noninvasive respiratory supports (noninvasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy) in patients with acute respiratory failure because of severe community-acquired pneumonia. Noninvasive ventilation is strongly advised for the treatment of hypercapnic respiratory failure and recent evidence justifies its use in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure when delivered by helmet. Indeed, such interface allows alveolar recruitment by providing high level of positive end-expiratory pressure, which improves hypoxemia. On the other hand, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is effective in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and some articles support its use in patients with hypercapnia. However, early identification of noninvasive respiratory supports treatment failure is crucial to prevent delayed orotracheal intubation and protective invasive mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive ventilation is the first-line therapy in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure because of pneumonia. Although an increasing amount of evidence investigated the application of noninvasive respiratory support to hypoxemic respiratory failure, the optimal ventilatory strategy in this setting is uncertain. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation delivered by helmet and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy appear as promising tools but their role needs to be confirmed by future research.

Comparison of hypoxemia, intubation procedure, and complications for non-invasive ventilation against high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a non-randomized retrospective analysis for effectiveness and safety (NIVaHIC-aHRF)

BackgroundOptimization of preoxygenation procedure can help to secure the method of intubation by reducing the risks of severe hypoxemia and other problems. There is confusion for efficacy of non-invasive ventilation compared to high-flow oxygen therapy regarding occurrence of severe hypoxemia during the intubation procedure. The purpose of the study was to compare the difference between noninvasive ventilation and high flow oxygen therapy to prevent desaturation during laryngoscopy.MethodsPatients underwent high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HCO cohort, n = 161) or non-invasive ventilation procedure (NIV cohort, n = 154) for oxygenation and ventilation due to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the intensive care unit. Data before preoxygenation, preoxygenation, intubation, laryngoscopy, and complications of patients due to tracheal intubation were retrospectively collected and analyzed.ResultsThere was no difference between both cohorts for the demographical and clinical conditions of the patients before preoxygenation (p > 0.05 for all parameters), numbers of patients with severe hypoxia during the intubation procedure (35 vs. 45, p = 0.303), the time duration of laryngoscopy (p = 0.847), number of laryngoscopies attempts (p = 0.804), and immediate and late complications during the intubation procedure. The values of pulse oximetry were reported higher for patients of NIV cohort than those of HCO cohort during preoxygenation. Fewer numbers of patients were reported with severe hypoxia among patients of the NIV cohort than those of the HCO cohort (24 vs., 40, p = 0.042) who have moderate-to-severe hypoxemia (partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ≤ 200 mmHg) before preoxygenation. The most common complications were hypertension, pulmonary aspiration, and increased 30-day mortality.ConclusionsWhen compared, there was no difference between non-invasive ventilation technique and high-flow oxygen therapy to minimize severe hypoxia prior to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in patients with acute respiratory failure.