Continous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Support for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure in Burkina Faso

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a frequent medical emergency, involving high costs for health organizations and patients who often require intensive care and respiratory assistance. According to an international study, 61% of hypoxemic patients in intensive care receive invasive ventilation \[3\]. Invasive mechanical ventilation is often unavailable in low-income countries and non-invasive ventilatory supports such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow oxygen therapy (HFO) were very useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reduced the rate of intubation and ICU admissions. In addition, CPAP can be used without a ventilator, no electricity is required. So, it could be a support of choice in low-income countries.

Used of Boussignac-type CPAP could potentially reduce the recourse to intubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in a context where access to invasive ventilation remains very limited.