Respiratory Failure With Hypercapnia

The purpose of this study is to determine whether nasal high flow is non inferior to non invasive ventilation (NIV) in the early treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) and hypercapnic acidosis in the emergency department (ED). After obtaining informed consent, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either nasal high flow or non invasive ventilation (NIV, reference treatment) as respiratory support. Researchers will compare both respiratory support groups to see if their blood gas analysis and respiration return to normal ranges.

Postoperative respiratory failure (PORF) remains a critical driver of morbidity, mortality, and incremental care costs in surgical populations. Traditional escalation often involves invasive mechanical ventilation, which is associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and increased resource burden.

Background: Bronchofiberoscopy (FOB) is a minimally invasive and safe procedure performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. FOB frequently impairs respiratory function, which may lead to possible exacerbation of respiratory failure. Currently, the most frequent respiratory support is passive oxygen therapy, but non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are increasingly attempted, however the optimal setting and indications for NIV and HFNC in patients undergoing FOB with respiratory acidosis, haven't been determined yet. Methods: The study protocol describes a prospective, multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT). The investigators aim to study patients undergoing a therapeutic bronchofiberoscopy with decompensated type 2 respiratory failure: (pH \<7.35 and pCO2 \>45 mmHg); 1. randomized to: passive oxygen, NIV, HFNC, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV); 2. total number of participants: 315. Before FOB, the patient group will undergo arterial blood gas analysis (ABG). During FOB there will be a continuous monitoring of vital signs as in: SpO2, FiO2, TcCO2, ECG, and Heart Rate. After FOB, the investigators are going to perform another ABG, mark endpoints, and complications, if any arise. Results: Based on the selected endpoints, or any complication related to FOB the investigators hope to determine which of the respiratory methods: passive oxygen, NIV, HFNC or IMV provides the best support, leading to a lower number of complications and overall a better tolerance of FOB by the patient. Additionally, our aim is to find the optimal settings for NIV and HFNC in the studied group. Conclusions: The results of this study are going to assess the need and the role of the optimal respiratory support method among patients with exacerbation of respiratory acidosis, leading to a shorter time from admission to full recovery, better tolerance during the procedure, quicker recovery after procedure.