[Two cases of type I respiratory failure managed by the highFO nebulizer].

Abstract

Among conventional oxygen therapies there are currently no devices which can supply a high oxygen level of over 60%. The HighFO nebulizer (Koike Medical) is a new device which is able to supply an oxygen flow rate of over 35l/min, and a high concentration of oxygen. We report 2 cases of type I respiratory failure managed by the HighFO nebulizer. Case 1: A 70-year-old man with lung cancer had an acute exacerbation of radiation pneumonitis during chemoradiotherapy. We gave him an oxygen mask with a reserve bag, but his condition worsened. We then used the HighFO nebulizer followed by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. He began to recover and we again used the HighFO nebulizer during the weaning period. Case 2: A 74-year-old man presented with acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonitis. We started steroid pulse therapy, HighFO nebulizer treatment and physiotherapy to prevent disuse syndrome. We were able to raise his exercise stress levels due to the high concentration of oxygen provided by the HighFO nebulizer. We believe that the HighFO nebulizer is useful for type-I respiratory failure as well as interstitial pneumonia. However, oxygen toxicity is a potential problem, so we must accumulate more cases in order to fully assess the risks and benefits of this new modality.