High-flow nasal cannula during pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasingly concerning global public health issue due to its high burden of morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive intervention to improve patients' physical and psychological conditions, commonly involving oxygen supplementation. The potential benefits of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) have recently sparked interest as oxygen therapy. In this context, this study aims to assess the effects of HFNC during the exercise training component of a PR program in people with COPD. METHODS: Systematic review (CRD42022330929). We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including crossover RCTs with adults with stable COPD. We included trials using oxygen therapy with HFNC during the exercise training component of a PR programme. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), exercise capacity (EC) and adverse events. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: treatment adherence, breathlessness and future exacerbations. RESULTS: We included five studies with 300 participants with moderate to severe COPD. The certainty of the evidence was primarily low or very low for all outcomes of interest due to risk of bias, inconsistency or imprecision. HFNC has little to no difference in HRQoL (4 studies, 129 participants, MD 0.17, 95% CI -1.20 to 1.54; I2 50%). HFNC may result in little to no difference in EC (3 studies, 212 participants, mean difference 18.73, 95% CI -20.49 to 28.94; I2 56%), and we are uncertain about the effect of HFNC on breathlessness (4 studies; 244 participants, MD of -0.07, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.26; I2 63%). Only one study with 44 participants reported a participant's withdrawal because of progressive dyspnoea during lower limb exercise. CONCLUSIONS: We are uncertain about the effect of HFNC during the exercise component of a PR programme in HRQoL, EC or dyspnoea compared to usual care or conventional supplementary oxygen. Non-domiciliary oxygen patients showed improvements in HRQoL, EC and dyspnoea.

Determinants of physical quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after treatment: Insights from invasive exercise stress test.

BACKGROUND: Impaired quality of life (QoL) is prevalent among patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) despite improved survival due to medical advances. We clarified the physical QoL of patients with CTEPH with mildly elevated pulmonary hemodynamics and evaluated its determinants using a database of patients with CTEPH evaluated for hemodynamics during exercise. METHODS: The QoL was measured in 144 patients with CTEPH (age, 66 (58-73) years; men/women, 48/96) with mildly elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (< 30 mmHg) at rest after treatment with balloon pulmonary angioplasty and/or pulmonary endarterectomy using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: physical component summary (PCS) scores in the SF-36 over 50 as PCS-good and those under 50 as PCS-poor. RESULTS: The median PCS in SF-36 score was 43.4 (IQR 32.4-49.5) points. The PCS-poor group (n = 110) was older and had lower exercise capacity and SaO2 during exercise. PCS scores were correlated with 6-minute walk distance (rs = 0.40, p < 0.001), quadriceps strength (rs = 0.34, p < 0.001), peak VO2 (rs = 0.31, p < 0.001), SaO2 at rest (rs = 0.35, p < 0.001) and peak exercise (rs = 0.33, p < 0.001), home oxygen therapy usage (rs = -0.28, p = 0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance at peak exercise (rs = -0.26, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The impairment of physical QoL was common in patients with CTEPH with improved hemodynamics; exercise capacity, hypoxemia, and hemodynamic status during exercise were related to the physical QoL.

Respiratory Support After Extubation in Children With Pediatric ARDS.

BACKGROUND: Postextubation respiratory support in pediatric ARDS may be used to support the recovering respiratory system and promote timely, successful liberation from mechanical ventilation. This study's aims were to (1) describe the use of postextubation respiratory support in pediatric ARDS from the time of extubation to hospital discharge, (2) identify potential risk factors for postextubation respiratory support, and (3) provide preliminary data for future larger studies. METHODS: This pilot single-center prospective cohort study recruited subjects with pediatric ARDS. Subjects' respiratory status up to hospital discharge, the use of postextubation respiratory support, and how it changed over time were recorded. Analysis was performed comparing subjects who received postextubation respiratory support versus those who did not and compared its use among pediatric ARDS severity categories. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine variables associated with the use of postextubation respiratory support and included oxygenation index (OI), ventilator duration, and weight. RESULTS: Seventy-three subjects with pediatric ARDS, with median age and OI of 4 (0.6-10.5) y and 7.3 (4.9-12.7), respectively, were analyzed. Postextubation respiratory support was provided to 54/73 (74%) subjects: 28/45 (62.2%), 19/21 (90.5%), and 7/7 (100%) for mild, moderate, and severe pediatric ARDS, respectively, (P = .01). OI and mechanical ventilation duration were higher in subjects who received postextubation respiratory support (8.7 [5.4-14] vs 4.6 [3.7-7], P < .001 and 10 [7-17] d vs 4 [2-7] d, P < .001) compared to those who did not. At hospital discharge, 12/67 (18.2%) survivors received home respiratory support (6 subjects died prior to hospital discharge). In the multivariable model, ventilator duration (adjusted odds ratio 1.3 [95% CI 1.0-1.7], P = .050) and weight (adjusted odds ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.91-0.99], P = .02) were associated with the use of postextubation respiratory support. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of intubated subjects with pediatric ARDS received respiratory support postextubation, and a substantial proportion continued to require it up to hospital discharge.

Obesity as a Risk Factor for Complications and Mortality in Individuals with SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the available studies that identified overweight and/or obesity as a risk factor for mortality, use of respiratory support, and changes in biochemical markers in adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched using PRISMA guidelines until January 2024. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (code: CRD42024501551). Of the 473 articles, only 8 met the inclusion criteria (e.g., adult individuals aged 18 or over diagnosed with COVID-19 individuals with overweight and/or obesity). In addition, the Downs and Black tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. The studies analyzed totaled 9782 adults hospitalized for COVID-19, indicating that overweight and obesity are present in more than half of adults. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension are more prevalent in adults with obesity. The systematic review also highlighted that a higher incidence of respiratory support is related to a higher incidence of hospitalization in intensive care units and that adults with overweight and obesity have a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Biochemical markers such as procalcitinin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 are associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. This systematic review exposed overweight and/or obesity as a risk factor for worse COVID-19 disease, as well as for the need for intensive care, respiratory support, mortality, and changes in essential blood markers.

Long-term cognitive and pulmonary functions following a lower versus a higher oxygenation target in the HOT-ICU and HOT-COVID trials: A protocol update.

BACKGROUND: The Handling Oxygenation Targets in the Intensive Care Unit (HOT-ICU) trial was a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group trial of a lower oxygenation target (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2 ] = 8 kPa) versus a higher oxygenation target (PaO2 = 12 kPa) in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure; the Handling Oxygenation Targets in coronavirus disease 2019 (HOT-COVID) tested the same oxygenation targets in patients with confirmed COVID-19. In this study, we aim to evaluate the long-term effects of these oxygenation targets on cognitive and pulmonary function. We hypothesise that a lower oxygenation target throughout the ICU stay may result in cognitive impairment, whereas a higher oxygenation target may result in impaired pulmonary function. METHODS: This is the updated protocol and statistical analysis plan of two pre-planned secondary outcomes, the long-term cognitive function, and long-term pulmonary function, in the HOT-ICU and HOT-COVID trials. Patients enrolled in both trials at selected Danish sites and surviving to 1 year after randomisation are eligible to participate. A Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status score and a full-body plethysmography, including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, will be obtained. The last patient is expected to be included in the spring of 2024. CONCLUSION: This study will provide important information on the long-term effects of a lower versus a higher oxygenation target on long-term cognitive and pulmonary functions in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Physiological effect of high flow oxygen therapy measured by electrical impedance tomography in single-lung transplantation.

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), single lung transplantation (SLT) is sometimes performed as an alternative to bilateral lung transplantation due to limited organ availability. However, the postoperative management of SLT presents challenges, including complications related to the distinct compliance of each lung. This case report presents the case of a 65-year-old male patient who underwent SLT and was in the weaning period from mechanical ventilation. High-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) was administered, and the physiological effects were measured using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). The results demonstrated that the application of HFOT increased air trapping and overdistention in the native lung without benefiting the transplanted lung. HFOT through a tracheostomy tube or nasal cannula resulted in a more heterogeneous distribution of ventilation, with increased end expiratory lung impedance, prolonged expiratory time constants, and an increase in silent spaces. The drop in tidal impedance after applying HFOT did not indicate hypoventilation but rather overdistention and air trapping in the native lung, while the transplanted lung showed evidence of hypoventilation. These findings suggest that HFOT may not be beneficial for SLT patients and could potentially worsen outcomes. However, due to the limited scope of this case report, further prospective studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these results.

En pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), el trasplante pulmonar unilateral (SLT, por sus siglas en inglés) se realiza como alternativa a la disponibilidad limitada de donantes para el trasplante pulmonar bilateral. Sin embargo, el manejo postoperatorio del SLT presenta desafíos, incluyendo complicaciones relacionadas con la distinta complacencia de cada pulmón. Este reporte presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 65 años que fue sometido a un SLT y se encontraba en el proceso de destete de la ventilación mecánica. Se administró terapia de oxígeno de alto flujo (HFOT, por sus siglas en inglés) y se midieron los efectos fisiológicos utilizando la tomografía de impedancia eléctrica (EIT, por sus siglas en inglés). Los resultados demostraron que la aplicación de HFOT aumentó la retención de aire y la hiperinflación en el pulmón nativo sin beneficiar al pulmón trasplantado. Tanto la HFOT a través de un tubo de traqueostomía como a través de cánula nasal resultaron en una distribución más heterogénea de la ventilación, con un aumento en la impedancia pulmonar al final de la espiración, prolongación de las constantes de tiempo espiratorias y un aumento en los espacios silentes. La disminución de la impedancia tidal después de aplicar HFOT no indicó hipoventilación, sino más bien hiperinsuflación y retención de gas en el pulmón nativo, mientras que el pulmón trasplantado mostró evidencia de hipoventilación. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el HFOT puede no ser beneficioso para los pacientes con SLT y podría empeorar los resultados. Sin embargo, debido al alcance limitado de este informe de caso, se necesitan estudios prospectivos con cohortes de pacientes más amplias para confirmar estos resultados.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado en pacientes COVID- 19 sobre el efecto de la fisioterapia precoz en su acondicionamiento físico / Randomized clinical trial in Covid-19 patients on the effect of early physiotherapy on their physical condition

Introducción La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda las intervenciones tempranas de rehabilitación y movilización en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Los beneficios de la fisioterapia precoz, durante la estancia hospitalaria, no han sido probados en ensayos clínicos. Objetivo Evaluar los efectos de la fisioterapia precoz y educación para la salud en pacientes COVID-19 hospitalizados, en relación con los síntomas descritos en estudios previos, analizando diferencias entre grupos respecto a su acondicionamiento físico, necesidad de oxigenoterapia y estancia hospitalaria. Metodología Ensayo clínico aleatorizado con dos brazos, desarrollado en unidades de hospitalización y cuidados respiratorios intermedios (UCRI), con pacientes COVID-19. Se incluyeron 64 sujetos en el grupo experimental (implementación de un programa de fisioterapia precoz tras 48-72 horas de ingreso) y 62 en el grupo control (tratamiento habitual del centro). Variables sociodemográficas y clínicas: escala de disnea modified Medical Research Council (Mmrc), oxigenoterapia, Medical Research Council Scale sum score (MRC-SS), 30 segundos sit to stand test (30 s-STST), fuerza de prensión manual (FPM), Tinetti, escala de fragilidad (FRAIL-España) y escala Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS). Se evaluaron al ingreso, al alta y a los dos meses del alta. Resultados Los experimentales tuvieron menos días de ingreso y de oxigenoterapia convencional. Al alta, presentan menor riesgo de caída (72,9 vs. 95,8%) y menor debilidad en MRC-SS (2,1 vs. 14,6%). A los dos meses tenían menor fragilidad (5,0 vs. 14,5%), mayor fuerza de prensión manual, menos disnea, mejores resultados en 30s-STST y menos limitaciones post-COVID (86,5 vs. 96,4%) (AU)

Introduction The WHO recommends early rehabilitation and mobilization interventions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The benefits of early physiotherapy, during the hospital stay, have not been proven in clinical trials. Objective To evaluate the effects of early physiotherapy and health education in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, in relation to the symptoms described in previous studies, analyzing differences between groups regarding their physical conditioning, need for oxygen therapy and hospital stay. Methodology Randomized clinical trial with two arms, developed in hospitalization and intermediate respiratory care units, with COVID-19 patients. Sixty-four patients included in the experimental group (implementation of an early physiotherapy program after 48–72 h of admission) and 62 patients in the control group (usual treatment of the center). Sociodemographic and clinical variables: mMRC, oxygen therapy, MRC-SS, 30 s-STST, FPM, Tinetti, FRAIL-España and PCFS. They were evaluated on admission, discharge and two months after discharge. Results The experimental patients had fewer days of admission and conventional oxygen therapy. At discharge, they present a lower risk of falling (72.9% vs. 95.8%) and less weakness in MRC-SS (2.1% vs. 14.6%). At two months they had less frailty (5.0% vs. 14.5%), greater hand grip strength, less dyspnea, better results in 30s-STST and fewer post-COVID limitations (86.5% vs. 96.4%). Conclusión The intervention of early physiotherapy in COVID-19 patients and the health education received, prevents muscle weakness during admission, improves physical conditioning at discharge and two months later, and reduces the days of hospital stay (AU)

Hemodynamic effects of supplemental oxygen versus air in simulated blood loss in healthy volunteers: a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Trauma patients frequently receive supplemental oxygen, but its hemodynamic effects in blood loss are poorly understood. We studied the effects of oxygen on the hemodynamic response and tolerance to simulated blood loss in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers were exposed to simulated blood loss by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) on two separate visits at least 24 h apart. They were randomized to inhale 100% oxygen or medical air on visit 1, while inhaling the other on visit 2. To simulate progressive blood loss LBNP was increased every 3 min in levels of 10 mmHg from 0 to 80 mmHg or until hemodynamic decompensation. Oxygen and air were delivered on a reservoired face mask at 15 L/min. The effect of oxygen compared to air on the changes in cardiac output, stroke volume and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAV) was examined with mixed regression to account for repeated measurements within subjects. The effect of oxygen compared to air on the tolerance to blood loss was measured as the time to hemodynamic decompensation in a shared frailty model. Cardiac output was the primary outcome variable. RESULTS: Oxygen had no statistically significant effect on the changes in cardiac output (0.031 L/min/LBNP level, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.015 to 0.077, P = 0.188), stroke volume (0.39 mL/LBNP level, 95% CI: - 0.39 to 1.2, P = 0.383), or MCAV (0.25 cm/s/LBNP level, 95% CI: - 0.11 to 0.61, P = 0.176). Four subjects exhibited hemodynamic decompensation when inhaling oxygen compared to 10 when inhaling air (proportional hazard ratio 0.24, 95% CI: 0.065 to 0.85, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: We found no effect of oxygen compared to air on the changes in cardiac output, stroke volume or MCAV during simulated blood loss in healthy volunteers. However, oxygen had a favorable effect on the tolerance to simulated blood loss with fewer hemodynamic decompensations. Our findings suggest that supplemental oxygen does not adversely affect the hemodynamic response to simulated blood loss. Trial registration This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05150418) December 9, 2021.

[ROX index to predict failure with low flow devices in COVID-19]. / Índice ROX para predecir falla con dispositivos de bajo flujo en COVID-19.

Background: The ROX index (iROX) obtained from pulse oximetry saturation/inspired fraction of oxygen and respiratory rate, predicts success with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), however its performance for low-flow oxygenation devices (DOBF) is unknown. Objective: To determine suitability of iROX at 12 hours as a predictor of mechanical ventilation (VMI) in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 and DOBF. Material and methods: An historical cohort was performed. Adults with COVID-19, hospitalized, with supplemental oxygen supply are included, excluding patients with pathologies in chronic stages that could alter the results, calculating the iROX at 12 hours, obtaining the cut-off point using a ROC curve and Youden index, the risk of VMI is prolonged using relative risk (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Confounding variables were evaluated to determine the performance of the iROX. The dependent variable mechanical ventilation recorded as reported in the file and the independent iROX obtained in the same way as the previous one. Results: 63 patients with a median age of 62 years were included. The best iROX cut-off point at 12 hours was 5.35. With this cut-off point, VMI was associated with a RR of 8.75 (95% CI 2.36-32.35). In the multivariate model with an OR of 9.26; (95% CI, 2.39 - 35.78), after initiation of DOBF was consistently associated with an increased risk of intubation. Conclusion: In hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, an iROX < 5.35 at 12 hours appears to be a predictor for the onset of VMI.

Introducción: el índice ROX (iROX) obtenido a partir de la saturación por oximetría de pulso/fracción inspirada de oxígeno y frecuencia respiratoria, pronostica el éxito con cánulas nasales de alto flujo (CNAF), pero se desconoce su desempeño para dispositivos de oxigenación de bajo flujo (DOBF). Objetivo: determinar el punto de corte y el desempeño del iROX a las 12 horas como predictor para el inicio de la ventilación mecánica (VMI) en los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 grave y DOBF. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte histórica, en el que se incluyeron pacientes adultos con COVID-19, hospitalizados, con aporte de oxígeno suplementario. Se excluyeron los pacientes con patologías en etapas crónicas que pudieran alterar los resultados, calculando el iROX a las 12 horas y obteniendo el punto de corte mediante una curva ROC e índice de Youden, determinando el riesgo de VMI usando riesgo relativo (RR), con intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%). Evaluando otras variables confusoras para conocer el desempeño del iROX. La variable dependiente fue ventilación mecánica, obtenida por lo reportado en el expediente y la independiente el iROX, obtenida igual que la anterior. Resultados: se incluyeron 63 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 62 años. El mejor punto de corte del iROX a las 12 horas fue de 5.35. Con este punto de corte se asoció a VMI con un RR de 8.75 (IC95%: 2.36-32.35). En el modelo multivariado con un OR de 9.26; (IC95%: 2.39-35.78), después del inicio del DOBF se asoció consistentemente con un mayor riesgo de intubación. Conclusión: en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 grave, un iROX < 5.35 a las 12 horas es un predictor para el inicio de la VMI.

Blood Pressure and Oxygen Targets on Kidney Injury After Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common and serious complication to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The importance of post-resuscitation care targets for blood pressure and oxygenation for the development of AKI is unknown. METHODS: This is a substudy of a randomized 2-by-2 factorial trial, in which 789 comatose adult patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with presumed cardiac cause and sustained return of spontaneous circulation were randomly assigned to a target mean arterial blood pressure of either 63 or 77 mm Hg. Patients were simultaneously randomly assigned to either a restrictive oxygen target of a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (Pao2) of 9 to 10 kPa or a liberal oxygenation target of a Pao2 of 13 to 14 kPa. The primary outcome for this study was AKI according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) classification in patients surviving at least 48 hours (N=759). Adjusted logistic regression was performed for patients allocated to high blood pressure and liberal oxygen target as reference. RESULTS: The main population characteristics at admission were: age, 64 (54-73) years; 80% male; 90% shockable rhythm; and time to return of spontaneous circulation, 18 (12-26) minutes. Patients allocated to a low blood pressure and liberal oxygen target had an increased risk of developing AKI compared with patients with high blood pressure and liberal oxygen target (84/193 [44%] versus 56/187 [30%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.21-2.89]). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that the increased risk of AKI was only related to mild-stage AKI (KDIGO stage 1). There was no difference in risk of AKI in the other groups. Plasma creatinine remained high during hospitalization in the low blood pressure and liberal oxygen target group but did not differ between groups at 6- and 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In comatose patients who had been resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, patients allocated to a combination of a low mean arterial blood pressure and a liberal oxygen target had a significantly increased risk of mild-stage AKI. No difference was found in terms of more severe AKI stages or other kidney-related adverse outcomes, and creatinine had normalized at 1 year after discharge. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03141099.

High-flow nasal cannula vs non-invasive ventilation in acute hypoxia: Propensity score matched study.

RATIONALE: The optimal treatment for early hypoxemic respiratory failure is unclear, and both high-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive ventilation are used. Determining clinically relevant outcomes for evaluating non-invasive respiratory support modalities remains a challenge. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of initial treatment with high-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with high-flow nasal cannula or non-invasive ventilation within 24 hours of Emergency Department arrival (1/2018-12/2022). We matched patients 1:1 using a propensity score for odds of receiving non-invasive ventilation. The primary outcome was major adverse pulmonary events (28-day mortality, ventilator-free days, non-invasive respiratory support hours) calculated using a Win Ratio. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 1,265 patients met inclusion criteria. 795 (62.8%) received high-flow oxygen and 470 (37.2%) received non-invasive ventilation. We propensity score matched 736/1,265 (58.2%) patients. There was no difference between non-invasive ventilation vs high-flow nasal cannula in 28-day mortality (17.7% vs 23.1%, p=0.08) or ventilator-free days (median [Interquartile Range]: 28 [25, 28] vs 28 [13, 28], p=0.50), but patients on non-invasive ventilation required treatment for fewer hours (median 7 vs 13, p< 0.001). Win Ratio for composite major adverse pulmonary events favored non-invasive ventilation (1.26, 95%CI 1.06-1.49, p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, initial treatment with non-invasive ventilation was superior to high-flow nasal cannula for major pulmonary adverse events. Evaluation of composite outcomes is important in the assessment of respiratory support modalities.

Guidelines for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in neonates (2022).

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy, which is important in noninvasive respiratory support, is increasingly being used in critically ill neonates with respiratory failure because it is comfortable, easy to setup, and has a low incidence of nasal trauma. The advantages, indications, and risks of HFNC have been the focus of research in recent years, resulting in the development of the application. Based on current evidence, we developed guidelines for HFNC in neonates using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The guidelines were formulated after extensive consultations with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, nurse specialists, and evidence-based medicine experts. We have proposed 24 recommendations for 9 key questions. The guidelines aim to be a source of evidence and reference of HFNC oxygen therapy in clinical practice, and so that more neonates and their families will benefit from HFNC.

Maternal Oxygen Administration during Labor: A Controversial Practice.

Oxygen administration to the mother is commonly performed during labor, especially in the case of a non-reassuring fetal heart rate, aiming to increase oxygen diffusion through the placenta to fetal tissues. The benefits and potential risks are controversial, especially when the mother is not hypoxemic. Its impact on placental gas exchange and the fetal acid-base equilibrium is not fully understood and it probably affects the sensible placental oxygen equilibrium causing a time-dependent vasoconstriction of umbilical and placental vessels. Hyperoxia might also cause the generation of radical oxygen species, raising concerns for the developing fetal cells. Moreover, this practice affects the maternal cardiovascular system, causing alterations of the cardiac index, heart rate and vascular resistance, and unclear effects on uterine blood flow. In conclusion, there is no evidence that maternal oxygen administration can provide any benefit in the case of a non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern, while possible collateral effects warn of its utilization. Oxygen administration during labor should be reserved for cases of maternal hypoxia.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory failure secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia out of ICU.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) has been successfully used for the treatment of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF) secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and being effective in reducing progression to invasive mechanical ventilation. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of HFNC on a hospital ward for the treatment of AHRF secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and its impact on the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and endotracheal intubation. Other objectives include identifying potential physiological parameters and/or biomarkers for predicting treatment failure and assessing the clinical course and survival. METHODS: Observational study based on data collected prospectively between March 2020 and February 2021 in a single hospital on patients diagnosed with AHRF secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia who received HFNC outside an ICU. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients out of 1090 patients hospitalised for SARS-CoV-2 infection. HFNC was set as the ceiling of treatment in 44 cases; 12 survived (27.3%). Among the other 127 patients, intubation was performed in 25.9% of cases with a mortality of 11.8%. Higher creatinine levels (OR 1.942, 95% CI 1.04; 3.732; p = 0.036) and Comorbidity-Age-Lymphocyte-LDH (CALL) score (OR 1.273, 95% CI 1.033; 1.617; p = 0.033) were associated with a higher risk of intubation. High platelet count at HFNC initiation was predictive of good treatment response (OR 0.935, 95% CI 0.884; 0.983; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: HFNC outside an ICU is a treatment with high success rate in patients with AHRF secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, including in patients in whom this therapy was deemed to be the ceiling of treatment.

Investigation and Analysis of the Current Status of Rationality and Standardization of Oxygen Therapy in Hospitalized Adult Patients.

Objective: To investigate the rationality and standardization of oxygen therapy for hospitalized adult patients, so as to provide a basis for improving the quality of oxygen therapy care. Methods: Self-designed "Inpatient Oxygen Therapy Status Questionnaire", using a cross-sectional survey, surveyed 185 oxygen inhalation patients in a tertiary general hospital from August 3-15, 2020, based on the formulation and promulgation of the Chinese Nursing Association The "Nursing care for adult patient with oxygen therapy" standard evaluates the rationality of clinical oxygen therapy implementation and the standardization of nursing measures. Results: The reasonable rate of oxygen therapy for hospitalized adult patients was 19.46%, and the standardized rate of nursing measures was 54.52%. The reasonable and standardized rates of medical wards were higher than those of surgical and specialized wards, and were statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of complications of oxygen therapy was positively correlated with the rationality of oxygen therapy and the standardized data of nursing measures. Conclusion: The clinical oxygen therapy nursing practice and the standard of "Nursing care for adult patient with oxygen therapy" are quite inadequate. There are differences in the quality of oxygen therapy in different wards. Nursing managers should strengthen training and management, standardize nursing behaviors, and improve the quality of oxygen therapy and ensure oxygen therapy for patients' safety.

Impact of a simple non-invasive nasal mask device on intraprocedural hypoxemia in overweight individuals undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation provided by a non-anesthesiologist provider.

Background/Aims: Hypoxemia is a common side effect of propofol sedation during endoscopy. Applying mild positive airway pressure (PAP) using a nasal mask may offer a simple way to reduce such events and optimize the conditions for diagnostic and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. Methods: We compared overweight patients (body mass index >25 kg/m2) with a nasal PAP mask or standard nasal cannula undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopies by non-anesthesiologists who provided propofol sedation. Outcome parameters included the frequency and severity of hypoxemic episodes. Results: We analyzed 102 procedures in 51 patients with nasal PAP masks and 51 controls. Episodes of hypoxemia (oxygen saturation [SpO2] <90% at any time during sedation) occurred in 25 (49.0%) controls compared to 8 (15.7%) patients with nasal PAP masks (p<0.001). Severe hypoxemia (SpO2 <80%) occurred in three individuals (5.9%) in both groups. The mean delta between baseline SpO2 and the lowest SpO2 recorded was significantly decreased among patients with nasal PAP mask compared to controls (3.7 and 8.2 percentage points difference, respectively). There were significantly fewer airway interventions performed in the nasal PAP mask group (15.7% vs. 41.2%, p=0.008). Conclusions: Using a nasal PAP mask may be a simple means of increasing patient safety and ease of examination.

Hemodynamic and respiratory support in pulmonary embolism: a narrative review.

Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially fatal disease, with a significant burden on health and survival. Right ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability are considered two key determinants of mortality in pulmonary embolism, which can reach up to 65% in severe cases. Therefore, timely diagnosis and management are of paramount importance to ensure the best quality of care. However, hemodynamic and respiratory support, both major constituents of management in pulmonary embolism, associated with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest, have been given little attention in recent years, in favor of other novel advances such as systemic thrombolysis or direct oral anticoagulants. Moreover, it has been implied that current recommendations regarding this supportive care lack enough robustness, further complicating the problem. In this review, we critically discuss and summarize the current literature concerning the hemodynamic and respiratory support in pulmonary embolism, including fluid therapy, diuretics, pharmacological support with vasopressors, inotropes and vasodilators, oxygen therapy and ventilation, and mechanical circulatory support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and right ventricular assist devices, while also providing some insights into contemporary research gaps.

Linear versus Turbulent Airflow Tracheostomy Heat and Moisture Exchangers: A Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two tracheostomy heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs), namely the Shikani Oxygen HME™ (S-O2 HME, ball type, turbulent airflow) and Mallinckrodt Tracheolife II DAR HME (M-O2 HME; flapper type, linear airflow) on tracheobronchial mucosal health, oxygenation, humidification, and patient preference. METHODS: A randomized cross-over study was conducted with HME-naïve long-term tracheostomy subjects at two academic medical centers. Bronchoscopy assessments of mucosal health were performed at baseline and day 5 of HME application, along with oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) and breathed air humidity at four oxygen flow rates (1, 2, 3, and 5 lpm). Patient preference was assessed on study conclusion. RESULTS: Both HMEs were associated with improved mucosal inflammation and decreased mucus production (p < 0.0002), with greater improvements in the S-O2 HME group (p < 0.007). Both HMEs improved humidity concentration at each oxygen flow rate (p < 0.0001), without significant differences between groups. SpO2 was greater for the S-O2 HME versus the M-O2 HME across all measured oxygen flow rates (p = 0.003). At low oxygen flow rates (1 or 2 lpm), the SpO2 in the S-O2 HME group was similar to that of the M-O2 HME at higher oxygen flow rates (3 or 5 lpm; p = 0.6). Ninety percent of subjects preferred the S-O2 HME. CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy HME uses correlated with improved indicators of tracheobronchial mucosal health, humidity, and oxygenation. The S-O2 HME outperformed the M-O2 HME with respect to tracheobronchial inflammation, SpO2 , and patient preference. Regular HME use by tracheostomy patients is recommended to optimize pulmonary health. Newer ball-type speaking valve technology additionally allows concomitant HME and speaking valve application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:3422-3428, 2023.

Automated Oxygen Titration During CPAP and Noninvasive Ventilation in Healthy Subjects With Induced Hypoxemia.

BACKGROUND: Automated oxygen titration to maintain a stable SpO2 has been developed for spontaneously breathing patients but has not been evaluated during CPAP and noninvasive ventilation (NIV). METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled crossover, double-blind study on 10 healthy subjects with induced hypoxemia during 3 situations: spontaneous breathing with oxygen support, CPAP (5 cm H2O), and NIV (7/3 cm H2O). We conducted in random order 3 dynamic hypoxic challenges of 5 min (FIO2 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.11± 0.02, and 0.14 ± 0.02). For each condition, we compared automated oxygen titration and manual oxygen titration by experienced respiratory therapists (RTs), with the aim to maintain the SpO2 at 94 ± 2%. In addition, we included 2 subjects hospitalized for exacerbation of COPD under NIV and a subject managed after bariatric surgery with CPAP and automated oxygen titration. RESULTS: The percentage of time in the SpO2 target was higher with automated compared with manual oxygen titration for all conditions, on average 59.6 ± 22.8% compared to 44.3 ± 23.9% (P = .004). Hyperoxemia (SpO2 > 96%) was less frequent with automated titration for each mode of oxygen administration (24.0 ± 24.4% vs 39.1 ± 25.3%, P < .001). During the manual titration periods, the RT made several changes to oxygen flow (5.1 ± 3.3 interventions that lasted 122 ± 70 s/period) compared to none during the automated titration to maintain oxygenation in the targeted SpO2 . Time in the SpO2 target was higher with stable hospitalized subjects in comparison with healthy subjects under dynamic-induced hypoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept study, automated oxygen titration was used during CPAP and NIV. The performances to maintain the SpO2 target were significantly better compared to manual oxygen titration in the setting of this study protocol. This technology may allow decreasing the number of manual interventions for oxygen titration during CPAP and NIV.