Randomized clinical trial comparing helmet continuous positive airway pressure (hCPAP) to facemask continuous positive airway pressure (fCPAP) for the treatment of acute respiratory failure in the emergency department.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivered by helmet continuous positive airway pressure (hCPAP) is non-inferior to facemask continuous positive airway pressure (fCPAP) in patients with acute respiratory failure in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Non-inferiority randomized, clinical trial involving patients presenting with acute respiratory failure conducted in the ED of a local hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either hCPAP or fCPAP as per the trial protocol. The primary endpoint was respiratory rate reduction. Secondary endpoints included discomfort, improvement in Dyspnea and Likert scales, heart rate reduction, arterial blood oxygenation, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), dryness of mucosa and intubation rate. RESULTS: 224 patients were included and randomized (113 patients to hCPAP, 111 to fCPAP). Both techniques reduced respiratory rate (hCPAP: from 33.56 ± 3.07 to 25.43 ± 3.11 bpm and fCPAP: from 33.46 ± 3.35 to 27.01 ± 3.19 bpm), heart rate (hCPAP: from 114.76 ± 15.5 to 96.17 ± 16.50 bpm and fCPAP: from 115.07 ± 14.13 to 101.19 ± 16.92 bpm), and improved dyspnea measured by both the Visual Analogue Scale (hCPAP: from 16.36 ± 12.13 to 83.72 ± 12.91 and fCPAP: from 16.01 ± 11.76 to 76.62 ± 13.91) and the Likert scale. Both CPAP techniques improved arterial oxygenation (PaO2 from 67.72 ± 8.06 mmHg to 166.38 ± 30.17 mmHg in hCPAP and 68.99 ± 7.68 mmHg to 184.49 ± 36.38 mmHg in fCPAP) and the PaO2:FiO2 (Partial pressure of arterial oxygen: Fraction of inspired oxygen) ratio from 113.6 ± 13.4 to 273.4 ± 49.5 in hCPAP and 115.0 ± 12.9 to 307.7 ± 60.9 in fCPAP. The intubation rate was lower with hCPAP (4.4% for hCPAP versus 18% for fCPAP, absolute difference -13.6%, p = 0.003). Discomfort and dryness of mucosa were also lower with hCPAP. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting to the ED with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema or decompensated COPD, hCPAP was non-inferior to fCPAP and resulted in greater comfort levels and lower intubation rate.

Can we enhance compliance to treatment by performing a continuous positive airway pressure trial in obstructive sleep apnea?

BACKGROUND: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is not always easy to gain adherence to therapy. We aimed to evaluate how short-term CPAP application during the daytime before the titration night affects polysomnographic data and CPAP adherence in OSA. METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe OSA for whom CPAP titration was recommended were prospectively randomized to daytime CPAP application (group 1) or usual care (group 2).  For group 1, CPAP was applied for 30-60 min in daytime conditions to acclimate patients to the device. An appointment was then made to perform CPAP titration with PSG. In group 2 (usual care), the first CPAP application was performed on the titration night. PSG recordings and titration night recordings of both groups were compared. All subjects were evaluated 1 month after the initiation of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: Among 246 cases, first night data were similar in both groups. During the titration night, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and time in stage N3 were significantly higher in patients who underwent the daytime CPAP trial. Adherence to CPAP treatment at first-month follow-up was significantly higher in the group 1 (5.7 ± 1.0 h/night) compared to the group 2 (3.9 ± 1.1 h/night, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A short-term daytime CPAP trial in patients before the titration night may provide longer and more efficient sleep on the titration night and better CPAP adherence at one month.

Tolerance of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure After Sinonasal Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing sinonasal surgery, there is a lack of consensus on the risk and appropriate postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability of restarting CPAP on postoperative day one. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: A prospective study on patients with OSA on CPAP who required a septoplasty/turbinectomy and/or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed. Data from the memory card of a patient's CPAP machine and subjective information were obtained on the day of surgery and at scheduled follow-up visits. All subjects were instructed to restart CPAP on the first postoperative night. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were analyzed; nine underwent FESS and five had a septoplasty/turbinectomy. There were no postoperative complications encountered. The only significant change in the first postoperative week was a reduction in the percentage of nights used over 4 hours (P < .05). By the third postoperative visit, average 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, and CPAP tolerance scores improved from preoperative values. CPAP pressures, residual apnea-hypopnea index, and number of hours and mean percentage of nights used remained stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Both quality-of-life and CPAP outcomes improved or remained the same when restarting CPAP immediately postoperatively. Combined with a lack of significant complications, this study suggests that CPAP is well-tolerated when restarted the day after a septoplasty/turbinectomy or FESS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1013-E1018, 2021.

Impact of upper airway configuration on CPAP titration assessed by CT during Müller's maneuver in OSA patients.

PURPOSE: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the current gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and upper airway anatomy plays an increasingly important role in evaluating the efficacy of CPAP therapy. The aim of this observational study was to investigate the influence of upper airway anatomy on CPAP titration in OSA patients assessed by computed tomography (CT) during Müller's maneuver. METHODS: Consecutive patients under investigation for OSA by undergoing polysomnography and CT scan of the upper airway while awake were enrolled. Successful full-night manual titration was performed to determine the optimal CPAP pressure level for OSA patients in supine position using a nasal mask. RESULTS: A total of 157 subjects (134 males and 23 females) were included. Both apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and LaSO2 significantly correlated with CPAP titration level, upper airway length (UAL), distance from mandibular plane to hyoid bone (MPH), and neck circumference (all p < 0.05). There were significant positive correlations between CPAP titration level and UAL (r = 0.348, p = 0.000) and MPH (r = 0.313, p = 0.002). Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent predictors of AHI, LaSO2, and CPAP titration level. CPAP titration level was identified as an independent explanatory variable for AHI and LaSO2 after adjustment for confounders. Multiple linear regression analyses also indicated that body mass index (BMI) and UAL were independently associated with CPAP titration level (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Upper airway abnormalities combined with anthropometric parameters play important roles in CPAP titration for OSA patients, providing additional insight into the factors influencing OSA treatment strategies. UAL and BMI should be taken into consideration when choosing CPAP titration level to improve CPAP compliance.

Practical and rapidly-implemented parameters for assessing APAP titration failure.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to show the predictive value of simple polysomnographic parameters including latency of deep sleep (nREM3), latency of rapid eye movement sleep (REM), and minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2) for predicting failure of autoadjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) titration. METHODS: Out of 1470 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who underwent APAP titration between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, 22 patients with titration failure were enrolled in the study. The demographic and polysomnographic characteristics of this group were compared with 44 patients with an adequate APAP titration who were matched with the titration failure group by age, sex, and OSAS severity. The periods between the start of sleep and the start of REM and nREM3 stages were noted as REM latency and nREM3 latency, respectively. RESULTS: The between group differences in the parameters including nREM3 latency, REM latency, and minimum SpO2 during the titration test were statistically significant (p = 0.004, p = 0.008, p <0.001 respectively). Possible threshold values to predict failure of APAP titration were found as 40 min and 135 min for nREM3 and REM latencies, respectively. The best threshold for minimum SpO2 was 86% with an 86.4% of sensitivity. Despite the high negative predictive values (81% for nREM3 latency, 75% for REM latency), the sensitivities (63.6% for nREM3 latency, 54.5% for REM latency) of the prior parameters in determining titration failure were relatively low. CONCLUSION: The minimum SpO2 < 86% can be used as a readily available indicator of APAP titration failure. nREM3 and REM latencies may be regarded as supplementary indicators in detecting the patients who may need an advanced PAP device.

A Comparison of Moderate to Late Preterm Neonates Receiving Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Australian Tertiary and Nontertiary Centers.

PURPOSE: Transfer of neonates ≥32 weeks' gestation with acute respiratory distress to tertiary (T) centers can be reduced by treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in nontertiary (NT) centers. This can lead to considerable financial and emotional benefits. The aim of this project was to compare management of nCPAP in T and NT centers. DESIGN: Five-year retrospective, observational cohort study (2010-2014). SAMPLE: All NT eligible neonates from four sites (n = 484) were compared with a similar randomized cohort of inborn neonates at two T centers (n = 601) in Victoria, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: Any difference in management or short-term outcome. RESULTS: Moderately preterm and term neonates born in NT centers had lower Apgar scores at five minutes of age and received more conservative management delivered by different equipment. Despite a higher incidence of air leaks in NT centers, the short-term outcomes were otherwise similar between centers. T centers were more likely to administer nCPAP to term babies for <24 hours.

Prone Positioning in Non-Intubated Patients With COVID-19 Outside of the Intensive Care Unit: More Evidence Needed.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the Italian National Health System to its knees. The abnormally high influx of patients, together with the limited resources available, has forced clinicians to make unprecedented decisions and provide compassionate treatments for which little or no evidence is yet available. This is the case for the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and continuous airway pressure ventilation, combined with prone position in patients with COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome treated outside of intensive care units. In our article, we comment on the evidence available, so far, and provide a brief summary of data collected at our health institution in Piedmont, Italy.

Respiratory support in patients with COVID-19 (outside intensive care unit). A position paper of the Respiratory Support and Chronic Care Group of the French Society of Respiratory Diseases.

With first cases noted towards the end of 2019 in China, COVID-19 infection was rapidly become a devastating pandemic. Even if most patients present with a mild to moderate form of the disease, the estimated prevalence of COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory failure (ARF) is 15-20% and 2-12% needed intubation and mechanical ventilation. In addition to mechanical ventilation some other techniques of respiratory support could be used in some forms of COVID-19 related ARF. This position paper of the Respiratory Support and Chronic Care Group of the French Society of Respiratory Diseases is intended to help respiratory clinicians involved in care of COVID-19 pandemic in the rational use of non-invasive techniques such as oxygen therapy, CPAP, non-invasive ventilation and high flow oxygen therapy in managing patients outside intensive care unit (ICU). The aims are: (1) to focus both on the place of each technique and in describing practical tips (types of devices and circuit assemblies) aimed to limit the risk of caregivers when using those techniques at high risk spreading of viral particles; (2) to propose a step-by-step strategy to manage ARF outside ICU.

[Oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnoea: What can we expect?] / Orthèses d'avancée mandibulaire et syndrome d'apnées-hypopnées obstructives du sommeil : qu'en attendre ? Revue de la littérature, comparaison par design.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular appliances are a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. There are many designs, but in the literature they tend to be grouped into a single entity without considering that efficiency, tolerance, compliance, or side effects are inherent in the design of each of them. A more detailed literature review is therefore warranted for the reader who wants to understand the relative effectiveness of each appliance. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: We conducted a literature search using the "oral appliance" and "obstructive sleep apnea" criteria on Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane. This allowed us to compare outcome parameters by appliance class and to highlight the rare studies comparing different appliances. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular appliances are not a homogeneous entity. Common use includes only appliances designed for propulsion (with rods and jacks) and retention. However, the few comparative studies available do not identify which are the most effective types or the types with an optimal efficacy/tolerance ratio. PERSPECTIVES: Further appliance comparison studies are needed to determine the most effective type or with an optimal efficacy/tolerance ratio.

[Telemonitoring in continuous positive airway pressure-treated patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: An algorithm proposal]. / Télésuivi des patients traités par pression positive continue pour un syndrome d'apnées/hypopnées obstructives du sommeil : proposition d'un arbre décisionnel.

Most of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices currently in use allow telemonitoring of observance, leaks and the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). La Société française de recherche et de médecine du sommeil (SFRMS) and La Société de pneumologie de langue française (SPLF) workgroup offer to CPAP prescribers and to home care providers a scientific document which has the following purposes: to underline the relevance of the telemonitoring of leaks and the AHI, to define alert thresholds, to describe the principal mechanisms generating excessive leaks and high AHI, and to propose a diagnostic algorithm.

[Position Paper for the State of the Art Application of Respiratory Support in Patients with COVID-19 - German Respiratory Society]. / Positionspapier zur praktischen Umsetzung der apparativen Differenzialtherapie der akuten respiratorischen Insuffizienz bei COVID-19.

Against the background of the pandemic caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2, the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP e.V.), in cooperation with other associations, has designated a team of experts in order to answer the currently pressing questions about therapy strategies in dealing with COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI).The position paper is based on the current knowledge that is evolving daily. Many of the published and cited studies require further review, also because many of them did not undergo standard review processes.Therefore, this position paper is also subject to a continuous review process and will be further developed in cooperation with the other professional societies.This position paper is structured into the following five topics:1. Pathophysiology of acute respiratory insufficiency in patients without immunity infected with SARS-CoV-22. Temporal course and prognosis of acute respiratory insufficiency during the course of the disease3. Oxygen insufflation, high-flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and invasive ventilation with special consideration of infectious aerosol formation4. Non-invasive ventilation in ARI5. Supply continuum for the treatment of ARIKey points have been highlighted as core statements and significant observations. Regarding the pathophysiological aspects of acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI), the pulmonary infection with SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 runs through three phases: early infection, pulmonary manifestation and severe hyperinflammatory phase.There are differences between advanced COVID-19-induced lung damage and those changes seen in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndromes (ARDS) as defined by the Berlin criteria. In a pathophysiologically plausible - but currently not yet histopathologically substantiated - model, two types (L-type and H-type) are distinguished, which correspond to an early and late phase. This distinction can be taken into consideration in the differential instrumentation in the therapy of ARI.The assessment of the extent of ARI should be carried out by an arterial or capillary blood gas analysis under room air conditions and must include the calculation of the oxygen supply (measured from the variables of oxygen saturation, the Hb value, the corrected values of the Hüfner number and the cardiac output). In principle, aerosols can cause transmission of infectious viral particles. Open systems or leakage systems (so-called vented masks) can prevent the release of respirable particles. Procedures in which the invasive ventilation system must be opened, and endotracheal intubation must be carried out are associated with an increased risk of infection.The protection of personnel with personal protective equipment should have very high priority because fear of contagion must not be a primary reason for intubation. If the specifications for protective equipment (eye protection, FFP2 or FFP-3 mask, gown) are adhered to, inhalation therapy, nasal high-flow (NHF) therapy, CPAP therapy or NIV can be carried out according to the current state of knowledge without increased risk of infection to the staff. A significant proportion of patients with respiratory failure presents with relevant hypoxemia, often also caused by a high inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) including NHF, and this hypoxemia cannot be not completely corrected. In this situation, CPAP/NIV therapy can be administered under use of a mouth and nose mask or a respiratory helmet as therapy escalation, as long as the criteria for endotracheal intubation are not fulfilled.In acute hypoxemic respiratory insufficiency, NIV should be performed in an intensive care unit or in a comparable unit by personnel with appropriate expertise. Under CPAP/NIV, a patient can deteriorate rapidly. For this reason, continuous monitoring with readiness to carry out intubation must be ensured at all times. If CPAP/NIV leads to further progression of ARI, intubation and subsequent invasive ventilation should be carried out without delay if no DNI order is in place.In the case of patients in whom invasive ventilation, after exhausting all guideline-based measures, is not sufficient, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedure (ECMO) should be considered to ensure sufficient oxygen supply and to remove CO2.

CPAP Effect on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Performance in Patients with Moderate-Severe OSA and Cardiometabolic Comorbidities.

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with daytime somnolence, cognitive impairment and high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity, associated cardiovascular comorbidities, accelerated erythropoiesis and muscular mitochondrial energetic dysfunctions negatively influence exercise tolerance in moderate-severe OSA patients. The cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) offers an integrated assessment of the individual's aerobic capacity and helps distinguish the main causes of exercise limitation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the aerobic capacity of OSA patients, before and after short-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Materials and Methods: Our prospective study included 64 patients with newly diagnosed moderate-severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) 39.96 ± 19.04 events/h) who underwent CPET before and after CPAP. Thirteen patients were unable to tolerate CPAP or were lost during follow-up. Results: 49.29% of our patients exhibited a moderate or severe decrease in functional capacity (Weber C or D). CPET performance was influenced by gender but not by apnea severity. Eight weeks of CPAP induced significant improvements in maximal exercise load (Δ = 14.23 W, p = 0.0004), maximum oxygen uptake (Δ = 203.87 mL/min, p = 0.004), anaerobic threshold (Δ = 316.4 mL/min, p = 0.001), minute ventilation (Δ = 5.1 L/min, p = 0.01) and peak oxygen pulse (Δ = 2.46, p = 0.007) as well as a decrease in basal metabolic rate (BMR) (Δ = -8.3 kCal/24 h, p = 0.04) and average Epworth score (Δ = -4.58 points, p < 0.000001). Conclusions: Patients with moderate-severe OSA have mediocre functional capacity. Apnea severity (AHI) was correlated with basal metabolic rate, resting heart rate and percent predicted maximum effort but not with anaerobic threshold or maximum oxygen uptake. Although CPET performance was similar in the two apnea severity subgroups, short-term CPAP therapy significantly improved most CPET parameters, suggesting that OSA per se has a negative influence on effort capacity.

Nursing Interventions Improve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the effectiveness of interventions in the literature to improve adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness. METHODS: In this review, we considered only randomized controlled trials that included interventions to improve CPAP adherence in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with high daytime sleepiness. FINDINGS: Eight trials were included in this review. The types of interventions to improve adherence to CPAP can be grouped into educational, technological, pharmacological, and multidimensional interventions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Educational programs can increase CPAP adherence in OSA patients. As nurses are the main clinicians responsible for device use for patients, the therapeutic strategies to improve CPAP adherence are important in their clinical setting. Therefore, the nursing work related to the use of CPAP has a great impact on the quality of life and mortality of patients with OSA.

The Usefulness of Respiratory Mechanic Instability in Evaluating the Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Respiratory mechanics instability (RMI) based on paradoxical movement is correlated with respiratory disturbance such as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and reflects the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to identify RMI as a method for assessing the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the management for OSA. METHODS: A total of 71 consecutive OSA patients with CPAP titration were included in this study. We compared sleep (sleep efficiency, arousal index, and sleep stages), respiratory (AHI, oxygen desaturation index ≥3% [ODI3], and lowest oxygen saturation), and RMI parameters (events, index, duration, and % of stage duration) between diagnostic polysomnography and CPAP titration data. RESULTS: All RMI parameters (events [157.5 ± 80.9 vs 80.0 ± 47.1; P < .001], index [25.3 ± 12.4 vs 12.7 ± 7.0; P < .001], duration [182.6 ± 96.2 vs 79.8 ± 88.9; P < .001], and % of stage duration [49.0 ± 24.4 vs 20.5 ± 21.3; P < .001]) were significantly improved by the alleviation of obstructive respiratory disturbance parameters (AHI [45.1 ± 23.0 vs 4.2 ± 4.3; P < .001], ODI3 [44.9 ± 22.6 vs 4.8 ± 4.6; P < .001], and lowest oxygen saturation [77.7 ± 7.3 vs 89.3 ± 3.8; P < .001]) compared to diagnostic polysomnography and CPAP titration data. CONCLUSION: RMI may be a useful method for evaluating the effect of CPAP in OSA patients.

Effectiveness of nCPAP for moderate preterm infants compared to BiPAP: A Randomized, Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) has recently been used in preterm infants with respiratory distress as an alternative to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) because, theoretically, BiPAP is thought to be more effective than nCPAP. However, the results of some studies comparing nCPAP with BiPAP as the initial respiratory support were controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of nCPAP with BiPAP at gestational ages of 30+0 to 34+6  weeks. METHODS: A total of 93 infants with gestational ages of 30+0 to 34+6  weeks, who presented with respiratory distress within 24 h after birth, were randomized to the nCPAP group or the BiPAP group. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment failure with these two non-invasive respiratory support devices. Criteria for treatment failure included any of the following: respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 >65 mmHg with pH <7.2), hypoxia (FiO2 >0.4), or apnea (>2-3 episodes of apnea/h). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in treatment failure between the two groups (P = 0.576). The risk difference comparing treatment failure rate between nCPAP and BiPAP groups was -4.7% (95% CI: -21.5-11.9). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure is not inferior to BiPAP as an initial management of respiratory distress in these premature infants. We therefore conclude that nCPAP can be used as an initial management for preterm infants at gestational age of between 30 and 35 weeks as a substitute for BiPAP.