Table 2.
Primary Endpoint and Secondary Endpoints in the Two Groups
| Outcome | All Patients (n=320) | HFNC Group (n=160) | COT Group (n=160) | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary end point | ||||
| Treatment failure, need of NIV, no. (%) | 47(14.7) | 16(10.0) | 31(19.4) | 0.026 |
| Secondary end point | ||||
| Patients received NIV, no. (%) | 39(12.2) | 13(8.1) | 26(16.3) | 0.039 |
| CAT scores at discharge | 15.2±7.8 | 12.0±7.6 | 17.0±7.3 | 0.002 |
| Subjective discomfort score | 3.3±1.6 | 2.3±1.1 | 3.9±1.6 | <0.001 |
| Hospital lengths of stay (days) | 12.7±4.8 | 12.2±5.3 | 12.9±4.5 | 0.453 |
| Readmission rate within 3 months, no. (%) | 77 (24.1) | 32 (20.0) | 45 (28.1) | 0.116 |
| Reason for NIV | ||||
| Respiratory acidosis | 36(11.3) | 12(7.5) | 24(15.0) | 0.050 |
| Obvious dyspnea | 11(3.4) | 4(2.5) | 7(4.4) | 0.542 |
Notes: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or No. (%). Treatment failure was defined as worsening of the patients’ condition to the point that noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation was required.
Abbreviations: CAT score, COPD assessment test score; COT, conventional oxygen therapy; HFNC, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy; NIV, noninvasive mechanical ventilation.