Nasal High-Flow Therapy to Treat COPD Exacerbations: a Matter of Monitoring and Controlling Settings?
Objective: The aim of the present study is to prove efficacy of nHFT in enhancing recovery from COPD exacerbations. We aim to improve the effectiveness of nHFT by developing new technologies to control and monitor the effect of nHFT and by providing background for optimal settings of nHFT. Study design: The study will be designed as a multicentre randomised controlled trial, with the University Medical Center Groningen, the Medisch Spectrum Twente, Albert Schweizer ziekenhuis, Rijnstate hospital, and the University of Twente, collaborating. Study population: One hundred thirty-six patients with known COPD GOLD stage II to IV and hypoxemic respiratory failure hospitalised with a COPD exacerbation will be included. Intervention (if applicable): Patients will be randomised to standard care or nHFT (≥ 6 hours/day) during hospitalisation and the 90 days after discharge, as added to standard care. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary outcome will be improvement in HRQoL after 90 days.
⁃ Patients have to fulfil all of the following inclusion criteria:
• History of COPD Global Initiative of Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) stage II to IV (FEV1\< 80% of predicted with an FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio \<70), with a history of at least 10 pack years smoking.
• Being admitted to the hospital with a COPD exacerbation
• Signs of compensated respiratory failure (hypercapnia (partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) ≥ 6.0 kPa and/or hypoxemia (partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) ≤ 8.0 kPa at room air), with pH \> 7.34
• At least 2 COPD exacerbations in the year prior to the index hospital admission (exacerbation defined as worsening of pulmonary symptoms requiring oral steroids and/or antibiotics and/or hospital admission)
• Written informed consent is obtained