[High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in critical patients. Prospective study]

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy
• Pulmonology

Background:

• High-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) is an increasingly utilized respiratory support method.
• Its application in intensive care settings requires further analysis of incidence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of HFNC use in an intensive care unit.
• To evaluate the procedure's indications, complications, and effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in intensive care units.
• Data collected included patient demographics, HFNC indications, complications, and therapeutic goals.
• Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics using SPSS v18.0.

Main Results:

• The study included 12 patients, with an HFNC incidence of 0.95%.
• Primary indications were moderate respiratory failure (75%) and hypoxemia (58.3%).
• Complications were infrequent, including mouth-breathing and nasal injury; 91.7% showed improved oxygen therapy, and 50% avoided intubation.

Conclusions:

• HFNC use in intensive care is currently low.
• Moderate respiratory failure and high oxygen demand are key indications for HFNC.
• While effective in improving oxygenation, HFNC does not eliminate the need for intubation in all cases.