Comparing High Flow Nasal Cannula and Oxygen Mask for Treating Chest Trauma Patients with Low Oxygen Levels

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether high flow nasal cannula HFNC can reduce the need for intubation in patients with severe hypoxemia caused by chest trauma. The study is a three-center randomized clinical trial conducted at a level I trauma hospital, focusing on patients who have low arterial oxygen levels PaO2FiO2 <300 within 72 hours after thoracic trauma and who remain hypoxic despite oxygen therapy. This research aims to provide evidence for the use of HFNC compared to the standard oxygen mask in this patient group. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy or oxygen delivered by a facial mask. Both groups will start with a fraction of inspired oxygen FiO2 at 0.4, adjusted to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%. The HFNC group will have flow rates titrated up to 60 liters per minute. The choice of interface depends on the patients associated injuries. Treatments will be provided during the first 72 hours after trauma. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants for the main outcome of intubation or pneumonia within 30 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes include oxygenation levels measured by the PaO2FiO2 ratio at 48 hours and rates of pneumonia or tracheostomy within 30 days. Patient breathing rates and respiratory distress will be assessed, and consent will be obtained. The trial is expected to continue until the end of 2027.

HFNC Compared With Facial Mask in Patients With Chest Trauma Patients