Most of the available data from this technique has
been published in the neonatal field where it is increasingly
used [4,5]. HFNC is considered to have a
number of advantages over conventional oxygen delivery
systems, resulting in better physiological effects.
Recently, its use with critically ill adults has been
dramatically rising. It has been applied to a variety of
patients with diverse underlying diseases. While many
of the studies have been clinical trials, no results from
reliable, large, controlled clinical trials have yet been
published. In the literature, the technique has also
been called mini-CPAP (continuous positive airway
pressure), transnasal insufflation, nasal high flow, nasal
high-flow ventilation, high-flow therapy, and high-flow
nasal cannula oxygen therapy. Here, we use the term
HFNC throughout the text, in which we summarize
the physiological effects of HFNC and then review the
clinical trials.