High Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy for Early Management of Acute Hypercapnic Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema in the Emergency Department

"HFNT will be administered through a heated humidifier (Airvo 2, Fisher and Paykel healthcare) and applied through large bore binasal prongs.~Initial gas flow rate will be set at of 60 l/min and adjusted to 40-50 l/min based on patient's tolerance. FiO2 will be adjusted to maintain an SpO2 ≥ 92%. Initial temperature will be set at 37° and reduced according to patient's tolerance"

"NIV will be delivered through a face mask connected to a dedicated ventilator with pressure support applied in a noninvasive ventilation mode (Monnal T75, Airliquide Medical Systems, Antony, France).~The Pressure-support level will be adjusted to obtain an expired tidal volume of 6-8 ml/kg of predicted body weight and a respiratory rate of 25-30 b/min. PEEP (range 5-10 cm of water) and FiO2 will be adjusted to maintain an SpO2 ≥92% and to patient's comfort."