Abstract
Introduction: CPAP and High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO) have become frequently utilised treatments for COVID-19 patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure. We observe the outcomes and characteristics of patients treated with CPAP/HFNO on a respiratory ward to gain insight into the utility of these forms of respiratory support in severe COVID-19.
Methods: Data were collected prospectively using a standardised protocol from patients who were treated with CPAP/ HFNO on a respiratory ward in a large university hospital. Outcomes of interest included inpatient death, comorbidities, duration of treatment, and physiological parameters prior to treatment.
Results: Outcomes for 66 patients (67% Male, Mean age = 68.9 [SD=12.7]) were observed, with overall inpatient mortality of 59% (n=39), rising to 75% (n=36) in those deemed unsuitable for invasive ventilation. Comorbidities were prevalent, with Hypertension (56%), Diabetes Mellitus (32%), and COPD (27%) being the most common. The median duration of CPAP/HFNO in our cohort was 3.5 days (range = 1-24). All patients who were deemed suitable for invasive ventilation survived their admission. CPAP/HFNO was tolerated well in 85% (n=56) of patients.
Conclusions: The use of CPAP/HFNO has been widely used in COVID-19 patients deemed unsuitable for mechanical ventilation, as it may incur survival benefit in those where there are limited treatment options. We demonstrate that CPAP/HFNO can be useful in treating severe COVID-19 patients outside of the ICU, however, there remains high mortality in the frail and those deemed unsuitable for mechanical ventilation.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA1090.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021