Recommendation 3.2
We are unable to make a recommendation for or against the use of HFNO compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/NIV to reduce intubation or mortality in the treatment of unselected patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure not due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema or acute exacerbation of COPD. No recommendation; moderate level of evidence for mortality, low level of evidence for intubation, not in favor nor against.
We suggest that CPAP/NIV can be considered instead of HFNO for the treatment of AHRF due to COVID-19 to reduce the risk of intubation (weak recommendation, high level of evidence), but no recommendation can be made for whether CPAP/NIV can decrease mortality compared to HFNO in COVID-19. No recommendation; high level of evidence of no effect.