High-flow nasal oxygen combined with noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure

Different Modalities of Combined Noninvasive Ventilation With High Flow Nasal Oxygen Versus Noninvasive Ventilation Alone in Acute Respiratory Failure

NA · Minia University · NCT07521254

This test will try alternating high-flow nasal oxygen and noninvasive ventilation to see if it helps adults with acute respiratory failure breathe better than noninvasive ventilation alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMinia University (other)
Locations1 site (Minya, Minya Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07521254 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, non-blind comparison conducted in the adult ICU at Minia University Hospital enrolling 75 patients with acute respiratory failure. Participants are randomized into three equal groups: one group receives cycles of 2 hours HFNC then 1 hour NIV, a second group receives 3 hours HFNC alternating with 3 hours NIV, and a control group receives conventional oxygen therapy with NIV as needed. HFNC is delivered using a Vapotherm system with an initial flow of 50 L/min and FiO2 0.5, titrated to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92% and blood gases checked after starting HFNC. The primary interventions are applied during the first 24 hours and outcomes will compare oxygenation, need for intubation, and tolerance between protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with acute respiratory failure defined by PaO2/FiO2 < 300 after 15 minutes of conventional face-mask oxygen with FiO2 ≥ 50% and respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min, who meet ASA I–III and can tolerate noninvasive support.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic respiratory disease, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, life-threatening arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability requiring vasopressors, facial abnormalities preventing interface use, low Glasgow Coma Score (≤12), marked agitation, immediate need for intubation, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from enrollment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, alternating HFNC and NIV could improve oxygenation and comfort and reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown HFNC can reduce intubation in some forms of hypoxemic respiratory failure, but alternating HFNC/NIV protocols like these are less well studied and have limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 year of both sexes. • Diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) defined as the combination of a PaO2/FiO2 ratio \< 300 after 15 minutes of conventional oxygen delivered through a face mask, with a FiO2 at least of 50% and respiratory rate \> 30 breaths/min.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic respiratory disease

  * Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
  * Life-threatening arrythmias
  * Hemodynamic instability requiring vasopressors
  * Facial abnormalities preventing NIV or HFNC application
  * Glasgow coma score of ≤ 12 points (Teasdale et al. 1974)
  * Agitated patients characterized by RASS score (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale) ≥ +2
  * Patients who needed immediate endotracheal intubation
  * Pregnant patients

Where this trial is running

Minya, Minya Governorate

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Respiratory Failure, Noninvasive technique in treatment of respiratory failure, Noninvasive ventilation, Respiratory failure, High flow nasal oxygen

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.