CPAP ‘staves off tracheal intubation’ in COVID-19 acute respiratory failure
The approach, pending peer review, appears to be better than both standard oxygen and high-flow nasal supply
Among adults hospitalised with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces the likelihood of needing tracheal intubation, compared with standard oxygen therapy, trial results show.
In contrast, high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) does not add a benefit over standard oxygen therapy, researchers have found.
The results of the Recovery-Respiratory Support trial were posted on medRxiv ahead of peer review and simultaneously presented at the Critical Care Reviews conference.
CPAP and HFNO have been recommended for acute respiratory failure related to COVID-19, but questions remain regarding effectiveness and safety, the authors say.
