Characteristics and effects of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with heart failure admitted to the emergency department

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) treatment and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in patients with heart failure (HF) admitted to the emergency department (ED). Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. The subjects were divided into HFNC and COT groups. The characteristics were compared, and vital signs and arterial blood gas (ABG) results were analyzed. In addition, mortality, intubation rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and length of stay (LOS) were analyzed for clinical outcome. Results: Among 252 patients, 91 and 161 were treated with HFNC and COT. Two groups showed differences in vital signs, ABG results, and pulmonary edema. The HFNC group showed no difference in mortality and LOS, but more intubation and ICU admission were observed (P=0.005, P<0.001). Due to the changes in vital signs and ABG results, the HFNC group reduced blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, improved SpO2, increased pH, and decreased PaCO2. Conclusion: HFNC therapy effectively improved vital signs and ventilation when administered to relatively unstable patients with HF admitted to the ED.