Does high-flow nasal cannula oxygen improve outcome in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in the rate of intubation and mortality for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. Two reviewers extracted data and reviewed the quality of the studies independently. The primary outcome was the rate of intubation; secondary outcome was mortality in the hospital. Study-level data were pooled using a random-effects model when I2 was >50% or a fixed-effects model when I2 was <50%.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled studies with a total of 1,818patients were considered. Pooled analysis showed that no statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding the rate of intubation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-1.04; P = 0.09; I2 = 36%) and no statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding hospital mortality (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.62-127; P = 0.51; I2 = 47%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HFNC showed a trend toward reduction in the intubation rate, which did not meet statistical significance, in patients with acute respiratory failure compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Moreover no difference in mortality. So, Large, well-designed, randomized, multi-center trials are needed to confirm the effects of HFNC in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure patients.