Butare

Acute hypoxemia, a serious condition with low blood oxygen, often leads to high death rates in resource-limited hospitals. Researchers are evaluating whether high flow oxygen therapy compared to standard flow oxygen improves survival in adult patients with this condition in five hospitals across low and lower-middle income countries. The study also explores challenges and benefits related to using high flow oxygen and compares oxygen usage between the two methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either humidified and heated high flow oxygen through a large nasal cannula targeting oxygen saturation between 90-94%, or standard flow oxygen delivered via nasal cannula, facemask, or non-rebreather mask with the same oxygen saturation target. This comparison aims to determine if one oxygen delivery method leads to better patient outcomes or is more practical to use in these settings. During the study, researchers will monitor patient survival up to 90 days after hospital admission. They will also gather information on oxygen consumption and factors influencing the use of high flow oxygen devices. Patients will be assessed for oxygen levels, treatment adherence, and overall condition throughout their hospital stay to understand the effectiveness and feasibility of both oxygen therapies.