HIGH-FLOW NASAL OXYGEN THERAPY IN HOSPITALIZED ADULT PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/armv1n8-014Keywords:
Oxygen therapy, Respiratory failure, Hospitalization, Intensive Care UnitsAbstract
Introduction: High-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) is a noninvasive respiratory support modality for acute respiratory failure (ARF) in hospitalized adults, offering physiological advantages over conventional oxygen therapy (CO) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Objective: This systematic review aimed to summarize the efficacy, safety, physiological benefits, and limitations of HFNO in various clinical settings. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted, covering articles up to June 2025, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Results: Twenty-five studies were included. HFNO demonstrated significant physiological benefits, such as dead space washout, PEEP generation, and gas conditioning, and reduced intubation rates in patients with hypoxemic ARF and in the post-extubation period. It was also well tolerated and effective in perioperative and emergency settings. However, evidence regarding mortality reduction remains limited and inconsistent. Conclusion: HFNO is an effective and well-tolerated therapy, reducing intubation rates in specific patient subgroups. Its impact on mortality requires further investigation, and patient selection and implementation of standardized protocols are crucial to optimize its use.
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