Current evidence for the effectiveness of heated and humidified high flow nasal cannula supportive therapy in adult patients with respiratory failure

Oriol Roca, Gonzalo Hernández, Salvador Díaz-Lobato, José M Carratalá, Rosa M Gutiérrez, Joan R Masclans, Spanish Multidisciplinary Group of High Flow Supportive Therapy in Adults (HiSpaFlow), Oriol Roca, Gonzalo Hernández, Salvador Díaz-Lobato, José M Carratalá, Rosa M Gutiérrez, Joan R Masclans, Spanish Multidisciplinary Group of High Flow Supportive Therapy in Adults (HiSpaFlow)

Abstract

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) supportive therapy has emerged as a safe, useful therapy in patients with respiratory failure, improving oxygenation and comfort. Recently several clinical trials have analyzed the effectiveness of HFNC therapy in different clinical situations and have reported promising results. Here we review the current knowledge about HFNC therapy, from its mechanisms of action to its effects on outcomes in different clinical situations.

Keywords: High flow nasal cannula; High flow oxygen therapy; Respiratory failure.

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