ROX index predicts high flow nasal cannula failure in COVID-19 patients with AHRF: Study

Jharkhand: Results from a recent meta-analysis suggest that the ROX index is a good predictor of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) failure in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). This may improve the clinical management and stratification of COVID-19 patients for optimal treatment. The study findings appear in the Journal of Critical Care. 

Treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is important for saving lives in COVID-19 patients. HFNC oxygen therapy has been used successfully as a non-invasive procedure for AHRF management in COVID-19 patients. However, many patients suffer HFNC failure that leads to worsening of conditions. Thus, early HFNC failure prediction at the time of AHRF may improve clinical management and stratification of patients for optimal treatment. 

The ROX index is a score that has been accepted in the management of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and thus could have the potential to predict HFNC outcomes in COVID-19 patients. 

Against the above background, JayPrakash, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, and colleagues performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the performance of the ROX index as a predictor of HFNC failure.