Non-invasive ventilation improves outcomes in Respiratory failure due to Covid19: finds study

Acute hypoxic respiratory failure is one of the most common and dreadful complications of COVID-19 and is associated with poor outcomes. Evidence shows that use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in case of acute hypoxic respiratory failure was known to improve arterial oxygenation, reduce work of breathing and recruit non-aerated alveoli in dependent pulmonary regions, thus reducing the need for endotracheal intubation (ETI).

Radovanovic et al conducted a review to study the outcome of patients treated with NIV/CPAP in Acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to Covid 19 pneumonia.

This rapid review included 23 manuscripts published since December-2019 until November-2020 with available data on in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with NIV or CPAP. Most of the data was collected retrospectively and from single centre, while only 2 (9%) had a prospective observational design. A total of 4776 patients were included in the analysis.

The main findings of this rapid review can be summarized as follows:

1) The median positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) used was on average 10 cmH2O.

2) Almost half of patients exposed to CPAP/NIV failed the non-invasive support trial and only half of cases were eligible for intubation

3) Overall in-hospital mortality was 40.9%

4) CPAP/NIV-related complications such as pneumothorax were uncommon

5) Length of hospital stay ranged from 6.2 days to 21 days

The indication for starting a noninvasive respiratory support in COVID-related ARDS is still debated. To date, oxygen supplementation to maintain SpO2 > 90% is strongly recommended but the utilization of NIV or CPAP is suggested with weak recommendation and very low quality of evidence. The main concerns being represented by the risk of aerosol generation and virus spread that could be harmful for the healthcare workers, and the ventilation-related lung injury secondary to late initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Indeed, guidelines suggest a careful titration of PEEP and low tidal volume ventilation due to the risk of barotrauma and volotrauma.

Authors conclude-"the application of non-invasive respiratory support with CPAP or NIV in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and acute hypoxic respiratory failure appears feasible and safe also outside the ICU setting".

Source: Radovanovic D, Coppola S, Franceschi E, Gervasoni F, Duscio E, Chiumello DA, Santus P. Mortality and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with non-invasive respiratory support: A rapid review. J Crit Care. 2021 May 21;65:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2021.05.007