Wider body of evidence (acute adult NHF controlled studies)
To further investigate the body of evidence (beyond that analyzed in the five meta analyses
4-8, the review method was repeated for the 52 acute adult NHF controlled studies
9-25,32-66 with subjects n > 39, found using a systematic search of the
PubMed database. Again, the reported flow rates ranged between 10 L/min and 60 L/min with the majority requiring flows at the higher end of the range (85% of the studies required flows ≥ 45 L/min). The flow rates reported in the 52 controlled studies are shown in the chart below.
Of the 52 controlled studies, 94% used F&P Optiflow systems, including a F&P Optiflow patient interface and a F&P humidity delivery system with humidity setting of 37oC.
When selecting a NHF system, it is important to ensure the entire system, including device capabilities such as flow rate and humidity delivery, can provide the therapy to deliver the expected outcomes proven in the clinical body of evidence.