High-flow Nasal Cannula Warming and Humidification Oxygen Treatment for Severe Refractory Pneumonia

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with active warming/humidification versus conventional oxygen therapy in improving respiratory outcomes among patients developing severe refractory pneumonia (SRP) following paclitaxel chemotherapy. Clinical data from SRP patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment was randomly split into two groups. The control group got breathing mask oxygen, whereas the intervention group received nasal catheter high-flow heating and humidifying oxygen. Both groups' PaO₂, PaCO₂, RR, and oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂) were examined before and after oxygen therapy. The Borg and SGRQ respiratory distress and quality ratings were similar in both groups. The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio improved considerably in the HFNC group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Borg dyspnea ratings dropped 1.32 points in HFNC (p = 0.003). These scores showed a greater impact in the HFNC group. Post-therapy arterial blood gases, including PaO₂, PaCO₂, RR, and the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, showed substantial changes in both cohorts, with the HFNC group doing better. HFNC patients also had a shorter ICU stay and longer independent breathing than control group patients. HFNC has significant clinical significance as an adjunctive treatment in patients with SRP undergoing paclitaxel chemotherapy.