Influence of high-flow nasal cannulae on clinical outcomes in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure: a prognostic risk factor analysis.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of high-flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and analyze prognostic factors following oxygen therapy.

Methods: We enrolled 200 ARF patients between January 2022 and June 2023, dividing them into an observation group (n=125) treated with HFNC, and a control group (n=75) receiving conventional oxygen therapy. We compared vital signs before and after treatment and categorized patients into good and poor prognosis groups to analyze demographic data and prognostic factors.

Results: Post-treatment, both groups showed improved vital signs, with the observation group experiencing significantly greater improvements (P<0.05). However, the observation group had a higher incidence of complications compared to controls (P=0.001). Patients with a history of endotracheal intubation or high APACHE II scores were more prevalent in the poor prognosis group (both P<0.05). Logistic regression identified the APACHE II score as a risk factor for poor prognosis, while HFNC emerged as a protective factor.

Conclusions: HFNC is a safe and effective therapy that improves vital signs and alleviates hypoxia in elderly ARF patients. The APACHE II score and type of oxygen therapy are significant prognostic factors, with HFNC offering a protective effect.