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
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