Clinical experience of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in severe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients

• Published in: Zhejiang da xue xue bao. Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences. Yi xue ban Vol. 49; no. 1; p. 232
• Main Authors: He, Guojun, Han, Yijiao, Fang, Qiang, Zhou, Jianying, Shen, Jifang, Li, Tong, Pu, Qibin, Chen, Aijun, Qi, Zhiyang, Sun, Lijun, Cai, Hongliu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 25.05.2020
• Subjects: Aged; Betacoronavirus; Cannula; Coronavirus Infections - complications; Coronavirus Infections - therapy; COVID-19; Humans; Hypoxia - etiology; Hypoxia - prevention & control; Hypoxia - therapy; Masks; Oxygen - administration & dosage; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy - instrumentation; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy - standards; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - complications; Pneumonia, Viral - therapy; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 1008-9292

Acute respiratory failure due to acute hypoxemia is the major manifestation in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Rational and effective respiratory support is crucial in the management of COVID-19 patients. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been utilized widely due to its superiority over other non-invasive respiratory support techniques. To avoid HFNC failure and intubation delay, the key issues are proper patients, timely application and improving compliance. It should be noted that elder patients are vulnerable for failed HFNC. We applied HFNC for oxygen therapy in severe and critical COVID-19 patients and summarized the following experiences. Firstly, to select the proper size of nasal catheter, to locate it at suitable place, and to confirm the nose and the upper respiratory airway unobstructed. Secondly, an initial flow of 60 L/min and 37℃ should be given immediately for patients with obvious respiratory distress or weak cou