[Source: Thorax, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy to treat patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure consequent to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Andrea Vianello1, Giovanna Arcaro2, Beatrice Molena2, Cristian Turato3, Andi Sukthi2, Gabriella Guarnieri2, Francesca Lugato2, Gianenrico Senna4, Paolo Navalesi5
Author affiliations: 1 Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; 2 Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-City Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy; 3 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; 4 Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; 5 Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Correspondence to Professor Andrea Vianello, -, Padova 35128, Italy; andrea.vianello@aopd.veneto.it
Abstract
This observational study aims to assess the outcome and safety of O2-therapy by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in 28 consecutive patients with severe hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) consequent to SARS-CoV-2 infection, unresponsive to conventional O2-therapy. Nineteen patients had a positive response. Nine patients required escalation of treatment to non-invasive ventilation (five subsequently intubated). None of the staff had a positive swab testing during the study period and the following 14 days. Severity of hypoxemia and C reactive protein level were correlated with HFNC failure. These data suggest HFNC to be a safe treatment for less severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 hARF and efficacy will need to be assessed as part of a clinical trial.
This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-214993
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Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Intensive Care.
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