A NEW study from Binh Duong General Hospital in Vietnam highlights the effectiveness of High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy in treating severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress, potentially reducing the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Conducted at Phu Chanh COVID-19 Department, the study focused on patients with critical respiratory symptoms and evaluated how HFNC impacted their oxygen levels, respiratory rate, and overall outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The cross-sectional study included 80 severe COVID-19 patients, primarily middle-aged (average age 49.7 years), many of whom had underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory issues. Most patients exhibited severe symptoms, including intense shortness of breath, fatigue, and low oxygen levels (average PaO2 of 52.5 mmHg) despite conventional oxygen therapy. HFNC was used upon ICU admission, providing heated, humidified oxygen at high flow rates to improve respiratory support.
Results indicated significant improvements within the first week of HFNC therapy. Patients’ blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and respiratory status improved noticeably by the first, third, and seventh days of treatment, showing that HFNC could successfully enhance oxygenation. The therapy proved effective for 67.5% of patients, allowing them to avoid invasive interventions. For the 32.5% of patients for whom HFNC was insufficient, half transitioned to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), while the remainder required mechanical ventilation.
This study suggests that HFNC can be a valuable early intervention in severe COVID-19 cases, helping to reduce the demand for mechanical ventilation, which is often associated with higher risks of complications and mortality. However, close monitoring remains essential to promptly escalate care for patients who do not respond sufficiently to HFNC, ensuring timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Reference
Duong-Quy S et al. Efficacy of High Flow Nasal Cannula in the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Results of Single Centre Study in Vietnam. Pulm Ther. 2024;DOI:10.1007/s41030-024-00272-0.
