Nasal high flow versus oxygenation in acute respiratory failure

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Flow veRsus OxygeNaTion In acutE ReSpiratory failure (FRONTIERS) - a pilot study

  • IRAS ID

    201159

  • Contact name

    Malcolm Sim

  • Contact email

    malcolm.sim@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS GGC

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 9 months, 8 days

  • Research summary

    High flow nasal oxygen (HFNO2) is an innovative new therapy for respiratory support in critically ill patients. In contrast to low flow oxygen devices e.g. the simple face mask, high flow nasal devices are able to deliver flow rates of up to 60 litres/minute. Patients with respiratory failure breath in with higher flow rates. Low flow oxygen devices cannot match these high flows generated which results in room air (21% oxygen only) being pulled in around the mask reducing the oxygen concentration delivered. High flow nasal oxygen devices can deliver higher oxygen concentrations to patient in respiratory failure. The inspired gas is warmed to 37°C and effectively humidified and the higher flow rates prevent collapse of the lung bases resulting in improved oxygenation and better patient compliance.

    High flow nasal oxygen therapy has been widely used but guidelines as to the optimal starting flow rate and oxygen percentage are not available. Prolonged exposure to an inappropriately high oxygen concentration is undesirable as there is evidence that the production of oxygen free radicals can lead to lung damage. This dose finding study will determine the optimal flow rate and oxygen concentration using HFNO2 for patients with respiratory failure. An assessment will also be made of patient satisfaction and compliance with HFNO2.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 4

  • REC reference

    17/WS/0007

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Jan 2017

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion