RENOVATE Palliative: HFNC vs. Standard Respiratory Support in Patients With Do-Not-Intubate Order and ARF

Randomized clinical trial in which the main objective is to compare High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) versus the standard respiratory care in the alleviation of dyspnea perception in patients with do-not-intubate (DNI) order. This is a pragmatic study that will take place in 10 Brazilians ICU facilities which are already participating in the main study RENOVATE NCT03643939.

Do-not-intubate (DNI) is usually established in cases where endotracheal intubation (ETI) is considered disproportionate to prognosis and/or incompatible with the expression of wishes and values of the patient. Regardless of the profile of this care plan offered to patients with DNI, the control of dyspnea is one of its central objectives. The approach to dyspnea includes pharmacological measures such as opioids and non-pharmacological measures, such as oxygen therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation, and more recently, the high flow nasal catheter (HFNC). HFNC provides high flow of heated and humidified mixed gas through a nasal cannula. In addition to the ability to generate high flows and supplemental oxygen, HFNC may generate a low level of positive airway pressure, may decrease dead space ventilation and may contribute to better patient comfort, such as the possibility of oral feeding while undergoing treatment, performing oral hygiene and allowing conversation and interaction with family members. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HFNC in reducing dyspnea and improving comfort in patients with Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) and DNI order.