Helmet CPAP Versus Oxygen Therapy in Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Oxygen therapy and endotracheal intubation ventilation are standard medical treatments for hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common mode in noninvasive ventilation (NIV) that delivers a constant positive airway pressure during both inspiration and expiration. CPAP has been demonstrated to improve oxygen saturation, relieve dyspnea, and avoid complications resulting from intubation, thus playing an important role in treating hARF. A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared CPAP delivered by a full-face mask with standard oxygen therapy in patients with hARF, caused by various etiologies. The authors observed improved oxygenation during CPAP treatment; however, CPAP did not reduce the rates of intubation complications, in-hospital mortality, and adverse events. The success of NIV is dictated in part by the choice of interface, which greatly affects patient comfort. In Europe, oralHelmet CPAP versus Oxygen Therapy in Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials