Identifying the Best Flow Setting Strategy for High-Flow Nasal Cannula

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a promising intervention for post-extubation oxygen therapy, with the potential to improve oxygenation, increase end-expiratory lung volume (EELV), reduce the work of breathing, and lower the risk of reintubation. Selecting an appropriate flow rate when initiating HFNC therapy is both crucial and challenging for clinicians. Although the physiological benefits of HFNC depend significantly on the flow rate, arbitrarily applying higher flow rates without appropriate patient selection may increase the risk of barotrauma and patient discomfort. Currently, there are no established guidelines or consensus on flow-rate setting for HFNC therapy. Given the growing use of HFNC, determining the optimal flow-setting strategy is urgently needed to ensure both clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

This 4-arm parallel-group randomized trial aims to compare four different flow-setting approaches for post-extubation use of HFNC in extubation outcomes. The individual flow-setting strategy for each study arm is summarized as follows: (1) Setting flow at 40 L/min, (2) Setting flow at 5 L/min above the peak tidal inspiratory flow, up to a maximum of 60 L/min. (3) Setting flow according to P/F ratio prior to extubation. Flow will be set at 60, 50 40 L/min if P/F ratio <250 mmHg, 250-300 mmHg and >300 mmHg, respectively. (4) Setting flow at 60 L/min. In addition, this study will incorporate measurements of peak tidal inspiratory flow and EELV to highlight the physiological characteristics of individual patients. These physiological measures may serve as both explanatory variables and potential predictors of flow responders. By examining the associations among flow responders, peak tidal inspiratory flow, pre-extubation oxygen demand, and changes in EELV, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and key factors influencing flow responsiveness during post-extubation care with HFNC.

Inclusion criteria

• Intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours
• Ready for planned extubation after passing a spontaneous breathing trial
• PaO2/FiO2 <350 mmHg on the day of extubation

Exclusion criteria

• Age <18 years
• On do-not-reintubate code
• Pregnant women
• Having tracheostomies
• Infeasibility of using HFNC
• Planning to use preventive NIV after extubation by the primary care team
• Life expectancy less than one month