ABSTRACT
Aim and background: In adult COVID-19 patients presenting with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, conventional oxygen therapy may be insufficient to meet the oxygen needs. Other considerable options are high flow nasal oxygen cannula (HFNC), non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) preoxygenation is required before endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study is to compare preoxygenation by HFNC and its comparison with conventional mask ventilation in patient requiring intubation in an intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods: After obtaining ethical committee clearance, 60 patients requiring intubation in ICU were included in the study. All the patients who were admitted in the COVID ICU, and were not maintaining saturation on a facemask, NIV, or HFNC for these patient decisions of intubation were made. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group M, conventional mask ventilation was done and in group H HFNC was used for preoxygenation. The primary endpoint of the study was the lowest SPO2 during video laryngoscopic intubation. Secondary objectives were time taken for intubation and aerosol generation. Results: Lowest SPO2 was more in the case of group M compared to group H and this difference was significant with p value of 0.00139. Aerosol generation was more in the case of group M compared to group H with p value of 0.009. Time taken for intubation was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: HFNC is a better alternative compared to mask ventilation in COVID-positive patients as better safer apnea time in patient of COVID presenting with acute respiratory failure.