High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy and hypoxia during gastroscopy with propofol sedation: a randomized multicenter clinical trial

Abstract Background and Aims Hypoxia is one of the most-frequent adverse events of sedated GI endoscopy, which can ultimately lead to serious consequences. No modalities have been previously found to totally prevent hypoxia. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) supportive oxygen therapy provides heated and humidified oxygen up to 60 L/minute. Due to its ability to improve respiratory function and good tolerance, we aimed to evaluate the validity and safety of HFNC supportive oxygen therapy in preventing the incidence of hypoxia in patients undergoing gastroscopy with propofol sedation. Methods In a multicenter, prospective randomized single-blinded study, 1,994 outpatients undergoing routine gastroscopy with propofol sedation provided by an anesthesiologist were randomized into 2 groups: the nasal cannula group (O 2 [2 L/min] was supplied via an HFNC) and the HFNC group (O 2 [30–60 L/min] was supplied via an HFNC) at 3 centers from November 2017 to February 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxia. Other adverse events were also recorded. Results HFNC supportive oxygen therapy decreased the incidence of hypoxia (75% ≤ SpO 2 2 2 Conclusions HFNC supportive oxygen therapy can completely prevent the incidence of hypoxia and severe hypoxia in patients with ASA I–II undergoing elective gastroscopy under propofol sedation, with minimal related adverse events and good tolerance.