Table 1 Characteristics at randomization of patients in the HFNC group versus those in the conventional oxygen therapy group
Baseline variables | HFNC n = 78 | Conventional n = 77 | p |
|---|---|---|---|
Age (years) | 67.3 ± 12.1 | 69.7 ± 13.0 | 0.2 |
Female sex | 32 (41%) | 22 (29%) | 0.1 |
Height (cm) | 168 ± 9 | 168 ± 21 | 0.2 |
APACHE II on admission, points | 21 ± 8.8 | 21 ± 8.2 | 0.9 |
APACHE II at extubation, points | 11 ± 5.5 | 10 ± 6.7 | 0.2 |
Length of mechanical ventilation before extubation (days) | 8.2 ± 5.9 | 7.4 ± 3.6 | 0.3 |
High-risk criteriaa | |||
Age >65 years | 49 (67%) | 55 (75%) | 0.4 |
Abundant secretions | 33 (47%) | 35 (51%) | 0.7 |
>2 comorbidities | 31 (43%) | 34 (49%) | 0.5 |
APACHE II >12 points | 24 (34%) | 31 (45%) | 0.2 |
Body mass index >30 kg/m2 | 14 (20%) | 18 (25%) | 0.5 |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 12 (18%) | 10 (15%) | 0.8 |
Weak cough | 10 (15%) | 14 (21%) | 0.4 |
Congestive heart failure | 9 (14%) | 9 (14%) | 1 |
Failed spontaneous breathing trial | 6 (9%) | 5 (7%) | 1 |
Pre-SBT respiratory rate (min−1) | 21.7 ± 6.0 | 21.8 ± 5.8 | 0.8 |
Pre-SBT FiO2 | 0.30 ± 0.08 | 0.30 ± 0.08 | 0.9 |
Pre-SBT SpO2 (%) | 96.5 ± 1.9 | 96.0 ± 2.3 | 0.8 |