Early high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED: A before-after study.

Objectives: To compare clinical impact after early initiation of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) versus standard oxygen in patients admitted to an emergency department (ED) for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods: We performed a prospective before-after study at EDs in two centers including patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure defined by a respiratory rate above 25 breaths/min or signs of increased breathing effort under additional oxygen for a pulse oximetry above 92%. Patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema or exacerbation of chronic lung disease were excluded.