High-flow Nasal Cannula Research Articles

Clinical Value of HACOR Score in Predicting High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy Failure in Hypoxemic Patients

Objective: To assess the sensitivity of the HACOR score in successfully predicting high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) failure in acute hypoxemic patients. Methodology: A Prospective observational study was conducted at Critical care departments of Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Okara and Rahim Yar Khan from Jan-Dec 2023. A total of 390 patients diagnosed as having acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2<60 mm Hg and/or pH <7.35) were selected and started on HFNO therapy. Primary variables studied were the sensitivity and specificity of the HACOR score in predicting HFNO failure after the first hour of therapy . Secondary variables studied compared the improvement in HACOR parameters after 1-hour of HFNO therapy in those patients who has success with HFNO. Results: While assessing the power of the HACOR score in predicting failure of HFNO therapy with scores obtained after one hour, the area under the curve showed a value of 0.88 showing a good predictive power of failure for the test. A cut off value >6 was able to predict failure with a sensitivity of 85.9%, specificity of 93.8% with a positive and negative predictive value of 96.6% and 76.4% respectively Conclusion: We conclude the HACOR score as a useful method with a cut-off value of more than 6 predicting a failure rate to HFNO to be > 86% after 1 hour of therapy. Key Words: Failure, HACOR, HFNO, Hypoxemic

Pediatric RSV infection and respiratory coinfections: is a link related to clinical severity? Single center retrospective study

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess whether there was a difference in terms of severity in paediatric patients assessed for respiratory symptoms in paediatric emergency departments between those who tested positive for RSV and those who presented with viral co-infections in addition to RSV. It was also assessed whether there was a difference between the two groups in terms of need for hospitalisation and ventilation. MethodsThis is a single center study from October 2022 to February 2023, compared two groups of patients: those infected with RSV and those coinfected with RSV and other viruses. Parameters examined included the severity of illness, as measured by the Clinical Respiratory Score (CRS), the need for and duration of hospitalization, and the need for ventilation via high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). ResultsThe correlation with disease severity assessed by CRS in the two groups with RSV only and coinfection was not statistically significant (p-value 0.281). The correlation in the two groups between the need for hospitalization (p-value 1) and the need for ventilation (p-value 0.302) was also not significant. No significant correlation was found between the age of patients and CRS (R=-0.26, p=0.119) and the age of patients and days of hospitalization (R=-0.013, p=0.938). ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of careful management of RSV infections in children. Despite the limitations, the lack of significant differences in disease severity indicates the need to explore additional preventive strategies, such as RSV vaccination, to improve the clinical approach.

A Wearable Iontronic Sensor for Nasal Cannula-Facial Interface Pressure Distribution Evaluation

Enhancing the comfort of high-flow nasal cannulas holds practical significance in clinical settings, as it can alleviate pain during treatment, improve patient compliance, and reduce the occurrence of facial pressure sores during extended wear. The pressure distribution at the nasal cannula-facial interface is a key factor affecting comfort. In this paper, we present a flexible iontronic sensor with ultra-high sensitivity (up to 0.6 nF/mmHg), low activation pressure (as low as 1mmHg), and a fast response time (up to 30 ms) for measuring pressure at the nasal cannula-facial interface. The introduction of a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bonding layer enables the ionic layer to form a robust sensing interface with the electrode. A unified pressure distribution measurement scheme was established, and 10 subjects were recruited to wear four brands of commercially available nasal cannulas to evaluate the dynamic pressure distribution in different states. The proposed device provides a feasible solution for assessing nasal cannula comfort and provides a quantitative evaluation framework for optimizing nasal cannula designs, with direct implications for patient care.

The impact of different prong-nares ratio on ventilation in COPD patients using nasal high-flow (NHF) – a physiological study

The impact of different prong-nares ratio on ventilation in COPD patients using nasal high-flow (NHF) – a physiological study

2023 Year in Review: High-Flow Nasal Cannula for COVID-19

2023 Year in Review: High-Flow Nasal Cannula for COVID-19

Feasibility and safety of weaning premature infants from nasal continuous positive airway pressure to high-flow nasal cannula: a prospective observational case study.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is widely used for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) provides positive end-expiratory pressure using high-flow oxygen; however, the variability in distending pressure is a primary concern. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a newly designed protocol for NCPAP weaning with cyclic HFNC use for premature infants. Premature infants with RDS using NCPAP support who were ready for weaning were enrolled. The weaning protocol used cyclic NCPAP with HFNC every 3h for 3 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. The heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oximetry (SpO2), transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2), and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) at the end of NCPAP with HFNC support were recorded once daily for 3 days. From June 2019 to April 2021, 46 premature infants (27 male, 19 female) were enrolled. The mean gestational age and birth body weight were 28.7 ± 2.6 weeks and 1181 ± 354g, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the HR, RR, SpO2, and cerebral StO2 during NCPAP weaning with HFNC were observed. However, the mean PtcCO2 with NCPAP was statistically significantly lower than that with HFNC (46.9 ± 6.0 mmHg vs. 47.9 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.02). The feasibility and safety of the NCPAP weaning protocol with cyclic HFNC for premature infants are acceptable in this preliminary study. Due to the limited number of participants, further studies are required for more comprehensive analysis. This prospective observational case study was approved by the Human Experiment and Ethics Committee of our hospital (approval number: KMUHIRB-SV(I)-20180059; approval date: January 11, 2019).

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as a pillar to aid oxygenation perioperatively: A narrative review

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as a pillar to aid oxygenation perioperatively: A narrative review

High flow nasal oxygenation and videolaryngoscopy - the two saviours in a case of Prader-Willi syndrome: A case report

High flow nasal oxygenation and videolaryngoscopy - the two saviours in a case of Prader-Willi syndrome: A case report

Clinical Profile and Outcomes of All Admitted COVID-19 Positive Patients with Primary Lung Cancer in a Tertiary Government COVID-19 Referral Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. COVID-19 infection poses a continuing challenge especially to those already with prior lung disease. To analyze such patients’ profile is essential in today’s health care management. Objective. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 confirmed patients with and without primary lung cancer in terms of hospital stay, recovery, and mortality. Methods. The study employed a retrospective cohort design. Chart review of all adult COVID-19 patients in Philippine General Hospital from January 2021 to June 2021 was done. A matched cohort study was conducted between COVID-19 patients with and without primary lung cancer. Results. Among the 953 COVID-19 patients, there were 14 patients with primary lung cancer. In terms of length of hospital stay, patients with primary lung cancer had shorter days from 1.32 to 15.1 days compared to 2.28 to 18.36 days in patients without primary lung cancer (p-value 0.271). Furthermore, they had 64% recovery rate compared to 78% in those without primary lung cancer (p-value 0.118). In terms of overall mortality rate, primary lung cancer patients had 36% rate as compared to 22% in the non-lung cancer group (p-value 0.119). Diabetes mellitus, mild to severe COVID, Remdesivir, and antibiotic use were associated with longer hospital stay while oxygen support via nasal cannula and invasive ventilation led to shorter hospital stay. Age above 50 years, chronic liver disease, other malignancy, shortness of breath, oxygen support via face mask, high flow nasal cannula, invasive ventilation, antibiotic use, hemoperfusion and nebulization showed a decrease chance of recovery while on contrary, Remdesivir showed an increase chance of recovery. An increase mortality rate was seen among age above 50 years, chronic liver disease, other malignancy, shortness of breath, oxygen support via facemask, high flow nasal cannula, invasive ventilation, antibiotics, hemoperfusion, and nebulization, in contrast to a decrease in Remdesivir therapy. Conclusions. Among all admitted COVID-19 patients, primary lung cancer patients were associated with shorter hospital stay (8.21+6.89days), lower rate of recovery (64%), and higher mortality rate (36%) as compared to those without primary lung cancer. However, based on the computed p-values for each outcome, these differences are not statistically significant.

Minimizing preparation time for repeated prolonged deep-inspiration breath holds during breast cancer irradiation using pre-oxygenation with high flow nasal oxygen and voluntary hyperventilation.

Deep inspiration breath-holds (DIBHs) reduce heart and lung toxicity during breast cancer radiotherapy. Consecutive DIBHs are stressful, time-consuming and leads to position changes. Pre-oxygenation using high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and hyperventilation prolongs DIBHs (L-DIBHs). We examined the effect of hyperventilation time on the duration of L-DIBHs. Additionally, to minimize total treatment time the feasibility of several successive L-DIBHs was examined. The method imposed 3 minutes of hyperventilation at 16 breaths per minute with preoxygenation using HFNO, in prone position. In the first phase, the effect of preparation time on the length of the breath-hold was investigated. The aim of the second phase was to investigate the feasibility of shorter preparation times before the second and third L-DIBH in the case of three consecutive L-DIBHs of 2 minutes. There is a positive but weak correlation between preparation time and L-DIBH duration. With either 3 min 30 second or 6 minutes 20 seconds (depending on fitness) of voluntary hyperventilation duration, 93% of subjects could hold three consecutive L-DIBHs for over 2 minutes. The median duration of the third and last L-DIBH was 3 min 17 s (SD 1 min 4 s). A weak relationship exists between the hyperventilation time and L-DIBH duration. Repeating L-DIBHs with shorter preparations is achievable, resulting in a shorter total time required. It is possible to perform a repeated L-DIBH for breast cancer irradiation using HFNO.

Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Extubation Protocols in the Intensive Care Unit Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: There is a notable lack of protocols addressing extubation techniques in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent TORS for OSA between March 2015 and December 2021 and were managed with different extubation approaches. The patients were divided into two groups: high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy and conventional oxygen therapy. The use of an airway exchange catheter (AEC) was investigated. Results: The application of HFNC use versus conventional oxygen therapy led only to a statistical reduction in extubation time (p = 0.024); length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the episodes of desaturation below 95% were reduced, but data are non-statistically significant. Similarly, the application of an AEC led to a reduction in extubation time in hours (p = 0.008) and length of stay in the ICU (p = 0.024). Conclusions: In patients with OSA who underwent TORS, the use of an HFNC, with or without an AEC, resulted in a significant reduction in extubation time without major adverse events. Additionally, HFNC utilization may decrease desaturation episodes during extubation. Despite limitations, based on the findings of this preliminary investigation, the combination of an HFNC and an AEC emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing the safety and efficacy of extubation protocols in this patient population.

Validating respiratory rate measurements in patients receiving high flow nasal cannula: a comparative study of Nellcor PM1000N and visual inspection

Validating respiratory rate measurements in patients receiving high flow nasal cannula: a comparative study of Nellcor PM1000N and visual inspection

Efficacy of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in cancer patients with concurrent acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a retrospective propensity score study.

Acute respiratory failure is the leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission of cancer patients. Studies of the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy were rarely conducted in cancer populations. We here compared the clinical effects of HFNC therapy and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in cancer patients with concurrent acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). In this single-center retrospective study, cancer patients with concurrent acute hypoxic respiratory failure either received initial oxygen therapy via HFNC (HFNC group, 68 patients) or received initial oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula, simple mask, or mask with reservoir bag (COT group, 133 patients). Groups were propensity score matched. Differences in respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and PaO2/FiO2 ratio before and after treatment in the two groups were compared using a mixed-effects model. The 28-day mortality risk was explored using a Cox proportional hazards model. The 24-h and 48-h PaO2/FIO2 ratios were significantly higher in the HFNC than in the COT group (210.5mmHg vs. 178.5mmHg; P < 0.01; 217.1mm Hg vs. 181.6mm Hg; P < 0.01, respectively). Differences in RR and HR between the groups at each time point were nonsignificant. The 28-day mortality rate was 17.4% vs. 38.1% for the HFNC and COT groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Hazard ratio was significantly higher for COT group (HR 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 5.3). Compared with COT, HFNC use for initial oxygen therapy can improve PaO2/FIO2 ratio and survival rate in cancer patients with AHRF.

Humidified Noninvasive Ventilation versus High-Flow Therapy to Prevent Reintubation in Obese Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The optimal strategy to prevent reintubation in obese patients remains uncertain. We aimed to determine whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with active humidification is superior to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in preventing reintubation in obese patients at intermediate risk. Randomized controlled trial in two intensive care units in Spain (June 2020‒June 2021). We included patients ready for planned extubation with a body mass index (BMI) >30 and ≤3 risk factors for reintubation. Patients with hypercapnia at the end of the spontaneous breathing trial were excluded. Patients were randomized to undergo NIV with active humidification or HFNC for 48 hours after extubation. The primary outcome was reintubation rate within 7 days after extubation. As a secondary analysis, we performed a post hoc Bayesian analysis using three different priors. Of 144 patients (median age, 61 [p25-p75 61-67] years; 65 [45%] men), 72 received NIV and 72 HFNC. Reintubation was required in 17 (23.6%) patients receiving NIV and in 24 (33.3%) patients receiving HFNC (difference between groups 9.7 (95%CI: -4.9 ‒ 24.4)). All the secondary analysis showed non-significant differences. In the exploratory Bayesian analysis, the probability of a reduction in reintubation with NIV was 99% (data-driven prior), 90% (minimally informative prior), or 89% (skeptical prior). Among adult obese critically ill patients at intermediate risk for extubation failure, the rate of reintubation was not significantly lower with NIV than with HFNC. Nevertheless, there is a risk for underpowered results. Clinical trial registration available at www. gov, ID: NCT04125342.

Caregiver experiences of oral feeding in infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula support

Purpose Navigating the feeding journey of medically complex infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula support can be challenging for caregivers, especially given inconsistencies in clinical practice for oral feeding on high flow nasal cannula support. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of caregivers who have experienced this journey, to inform best practice care. Method This study used a generic qualitative inquiry approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven caregivers of children who had been on long-term high flow nasal cannula support as infants during 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate meaning-united stories. Result All caregivers reported oral feeding difficulties that persisted beyond hospitalisation, resulting in demanding mental loads and care arrangements. Caregivers described how these difficulties were often exacerbated by complex medical needs and the strategies they experimented with to support oral feeding. Caregiver’s experiences in the healthcare system were characterised by inconsistencies in care pathways and variable access to specialist feeding services. The importance of a collaborative relationship with healthcare professionals and a conducive hospital environment were also highlighted. Conclusion The oral feeding journey for families with infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula support was characterised by multifaceted challenges and implications. Further research is required to establish and provide consistent, family-centred, and evidence-based care for this population.

Respiratory support and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants born at 22-26 weeks gestation in Sweden, 2004-2007 and 2014-2016.

To evaluate if increased survival and new ventilation strategies were accompanied by a changed incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in Sweden over a decade. Data from two Swedish population-based studies of live-born infants with gestational ages (GA) 22-26 weeks, born during 2004-2007 (n=702) and 2014-2016 (n=885), were compared for survival, any BPD, moderate BPD, severe BPD, and BPD/severe BPD or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Ventilation strategies and interventions were analysed. Any BPD was defined as the use of supplemental oxygen or any respiratory support at 36 weeks PMA, moderate BPD as nasal cannula with <30% oxygen, and severe BPD as ≥30% oxygen, CPAP, or mechanical ventilation. Survival to 36 weeks PMA increased from 72% to 81%(p<0.001). Total days on mechanical ventilation increased from a median of 9 to 16 days (p<0.001). The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was introduced between the cohorts, and days of CPAP and HFNC increased from 44 to 50 days (p<0.001). Any BPD was unchanged, 65% versus 68%. Moderate BPD increased from 37% to 47%(p=0.003), while incidence of severe BPD decreased from 28% to 23%(p<0.046). Severe BPD or death decreased from 48% to 37%(p<0.001) while any BPD or death remained unchanged at 74 versus 75%. Even though an increased survival of infants born at 22-26 weeks GA was accompanied by an increased duration of invasive and non-invasive respiratory support, the incidence of any BPD remained unchanged while severe BPD decreased in infants alive at 36 weeks PMA.

Caudal block, high flow oxygen insufflation and dexmedetomidine sedation for inguinal hernia surgery in infants-A prospective evaluation of an alternative anesthesia technique.

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common operation in infants, with well recognized anesthetic and perioperative risks. The aim was to investigate if the combination of caudal block, high-flow nasal oxygen insufflation and intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation is suitable for infants undergoing inguinal hernia surgery. A prospective multicenter international study was performed in three centers in Australia and New Zealand. Fifty infants less than 64 weeks post-menstrual age undergoing inguinal hernia surgery were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were any condition that contraindicated the use of the anesthesia technique. The technique included intravenous dexmedetomidine with a loading dose of 1-2 mcg/kg over 10 min and maintenance of 0.2-3 mcg/kg/h, high-flow nasal oxygen insufflation 2 L/kg/min with an oxygen blender, and a caudal block using 1 mL/kg 0.2% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the successful completion of surgery without conversion to general anesthesia. Completion of surgery with the technique was successful in 41/50 (82%) infants. Care was provided by 22 anesthesiologists and 11 surgeons. Infants had a low incidence of intraoperative complications, including apnea [1 (2.4%)], bradycardia [2 (4.9%)], hypotension [2 (4.9%)], and desaturation [1 (2.4%)]. Postoperative complications included apnea [3 (7.3%)], bradycardia [3 (7.3%)], hypotension [3 (7.3%)], desaturation [4 (9.8%)]. No infants were intubated in the first 24 h postoperatively. Caudal block, high-flow nasal oxygen insufflation and intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation is a potential alternative to general anesthesia for infant inguinal hernia surgery with a low rate of complications in this small cohort of infants.

The Management of Interstitial Lung Disease in the ICU: A Comprehensive Review

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a diverse group of parenchymal lung diseases characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and/or fibrosis. Patients with ILD frequently require hospitalization, with many needing intensive care unit (ICU) admission, most often due to respiratory failure. The diagnosis and management of ILD in the ICU present unique challenges. Diagnosis primarily relies on chest CT imaging to identify fibrosis and inflammation. Acute exacerbations, whether in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or non-IPF ILD, require careful evaluation of potential triggers and differential diagnoses. Bronchoalveolar lavage may provide valuable information, such as the identification of infections, but carries risks of complications. Biopsies, whether transbronchial or surgical, can also be informative but pose significant procedural risks. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment for acute exacerbations of IPF, with higher doses potentially benefiting non-IPF ILD. Additional immunosuppressive agents may be used in cases with evidence of inflammation. Oxygen supplementation, particularly with high-flow nasal cannula, is often employed to manage severe hypoxemia, while noninvasive ventilation can be useful for worsening hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia. When mechanical ventilation is used, it is recommended to target low tidal volumes to minimize lung injury; high PEEP may be less effective and even associated with increased mortality. Prone positioning can improve oxygenation in severely hypoxemic patients. In addition to ventilatory strategies, careful fluid management and addressing concomitant pulmonary hypertension are essential components of care. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a high-risk intervention reserved for the most severe cases. Lung transplantation may be considered for end-stage ILD patients in the ICU, with outcomes dependent on the urgency of transplantation and the patient’s overall condition. Managing ILD in the ICU requires a multidisciplinary approach, and despite recent advances, mortality remains high, emphasizing the need for continued research and individualized treatment strategies.

Effect of high-flow nasal therapy on patient-centred outcomes in patients at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery: update to the statistical analysis plan for NOTACS, a multicentre adaptive randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe NOTACS trial will assess the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) compared to standard oxygen therapy (SOT) on the outcomes of patients after cardiac surgery.Methods/designNOTACS is an adaptive, international, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial, with a pre-planned interim sample size re-estimation (SSR). A minimum of 850 patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive either HFNT or SOT. The primary outcome is days alive and at home in the first 90 days after the planned surgery (DAH90), with a number of secondary analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses also planned. The interim SSR will take place after a minimum of 300 patients have been followed up for 90 days and will allow for the sample size to increase up to a maximum of 1280 patients.ResultsThis manuscript provides detailed descriptions of the design of the NOTACS trial and the analyses to be undertaken at the interim and final analyses. The main purpose of the interim analysis is to assess safety and to perform a sample size re-estimation. The main purpose of the final analysis is to examine the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of HFNT compared to SOT on the outcomes of patients after cardiac surgery.DiscussionThis manuscript outlines the key features of the NOTACS statistical analysis plan and was submitted to the journal before the final analysis in order to preserve scientific integrity under an adaptive design framework. A previous version of this SAP was published prior to the interim analysis (Dawson, 2022). The NOTACS SAP closely follows published guidelines for the content of SAPs in clinical trials (Gamble, 2017).Trial registrationISRCTN14092678. (13 May 2020).

Risk factors affecting the development of pneumothorax in patients followed up in intensive care with a diagnosis of COVID-19

BackgroundPneumothorax is a little known and reported complication of COVID-19. These patients have poorer general outcomes and greater respiratory support requirements, longer hospitalization times, and higher mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors predict mortality in patients with tube thoracostomy diagnosed with COVID-19, admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU), and developing pneumothorax.MethodsThis respective, observational study was conducted in all COVID-19 ICUs at the Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Patients admitted to the ICU with diagnoses of COVID-19 pneumonia and with chest tubes inserted due to pneumothorax were investigated retrospectively.ResultsOne hundred patients with tube thoracostomy were included in the study. Their median age was 68 (57–78), and 63% were men. The median follow-up time was 20 [10–29] days, and the median time from initial reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results to tube thoracostomy was 17 [9–23] days. Initial RT-PCR results were positive in 90% of the patients, while 8% were negative, and 2% were unknown. Half the patients exhibited pulmonary involvement at thoracic computed tomography (CT) (n = 50), while 22 patients had COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) scores of 5 (22%). Sixty-two patients underwent right tube thoracostomy, 24 left side placement, and 14 bilateral placement. The patients’ mean positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level was 10.31 (4.48) cm H2O, with a mean peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) level of 26.69 (5.95) cm H2O, a mean fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) level of 80.06 (21.11) %, a mean respiratory rate of 23.71 (5.62) breaths/min, and a mean high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) flow rate of 70 (8.17) L/min. Eighty-seven patients were intubated (87%), six used non-rebreathable reservoir masks, four HFNC, two non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), and one a simple face mask. Comorbidity was present in 70 patients, 25 had no comorbidity, and the comorbidity status of five was unknown. Comorbidities included hypertension (38%), diabetes mellitus (23%), cardiovascular disease (12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5%), malignancy (3%), rheumatological diseases (3%), dementia (2%) and other diseases (9%). Twelve of the 100 patients survived. The median survival time was 20 (17.82–22.18) days, and the median 28-day overall survival rate was 29% (20-38%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that age over 68 (HR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.39–3.56]; p = 0.001), oxygenation status other than by intubation (HR = 2.24 [95% CI: 1.11–4.52]; p = 0.024), and HCO3- below 22 compared with a normal range of 22 to 26 (HR = 1.95 [95% CI: 1.08–3.50]; p = 0.026) were risk factors associated with mortality in patients in the ICU.ConclusionsAge over 68, receipt of oxygenation other than by intubation, and HCO3- values lower than 22 in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia emerged as prognostic factors associated with mortality in terms of pneumothorax.