Impact of HFNC application on mortality and intensive care length of stay in acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND

In Covid-19 pneumonia, high mortality rates reported in intubated patients have raised non-invasive methods of respiratory support.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the impact of HFNC application on intubation requirement, intensive care length of stay, and short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

MATERIAL-METHOD: Patients receiving oxygen by reservoir mask or HFNC therapy in our intensive care units due to COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the study. Group H consisted of patients who received HFNC, and Group K consisted of patients who received conventional oxygen therapy (COT). The number of patients intubated, duration of intensive care stay and short-term mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

43 patients were included. The short-term mortality and the number of patients with intubation need was lower in Group H. There was no significant difference between the Groups in the length of intensive care stay.

CONCLUSION

Administration of HFNC in respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia decreases the need for intubation and mortality.