ABSTRACT
Introduction: The inclusion of non-invasive ventilatory support systems in the management of ARDS in adults during the current pandemic, has been a lifeline given the lack of resources in the current international health situation. Systems such as the high flow nasal cannula have proven not to be just a temporary ventilatory system while awaiting invasive mechanical ventilation, on the contrary it has been shown that the high flow nasal cannula is an effective therapy tool in ARDS. Objective: To provide an easy guideline for the management of high-flow cannulas in hospitalized patients with severe pneumonia due to ATS criteria secondary to SARS COV2-COVID 19. Materials and methods: This is a prospective, single-centre observational study, including 59 patients, all with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia between January and April 2021. The patients were initially managed in an intermediate care unit with high nasal cannula flow (HFNC). Results: We were able to show that there is a statistically significant correlation between age > 65 years and respiratory rate ≥28 and mortality;likewise, between age > 50 years, NEWS > 6 and again a respiratory rate ≥28 with treatment failure. Conclusions: HFNC in respiratory failure related to coronavirus disease 2019 should become a viable management alternative, particularly in settings with limited access to intensive care unit resources, taking the indications into account and recognizing that a high percentage of patients who receive it can be successfully weaned without the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. © 2022 Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Crítica y Cuidado lntensivo