Skip to content

HFN Versus NIV in Cystic Fibrosis. The HIFEN Study

Randomized Cross-over Physiologic Study of High Flow Nasal Oxygen Cannula Versus Non-invasive Ventilation in Cystic Fibrosis. The HIFEN Study

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02262871
Enrollment
15
Registered
2014-10-13
Start date
2014-12-31
Completion date
2017-07-30
Last updated
2018-04-11

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cystic Fibrosis

Keywords

Cystic fibrosis, High-flow nasal oxygen cannula, Non-invasive ventilation, Respiratory distress, Oxygen therapy

Brief summary

Many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) require hospitalization and/or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission because of acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory failure or for any acute deterioration of clinical status. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the first option for the clinical management of CF patients with moderate-to-severe respiratory distress and NIV has been shown to improve gas exchange, reduce respiratory muscle work and improve pulmonary function in patients with obstructive lung disease in general and those with acute CF exacerbation. High-flow nasal oxygen cannula (HFN) is a relatively new system providing heated and humidified, high-flow (50L/min) oxygen through the nostrils. This device provides a small positive pressure, probably washes-out the pharyngeal dead space, reduces inspiratory resistance, and possibly facilitates secretion clearance. The technique is very well tolerated. From a physiologic standpoint, this device could help CF patients by improving gas exchange, reducing respiratory workload, and facilitating mucus clearance. Non-interrupted delivery may be possible given better clinical tolerance in contrast with bi-level positive pressure NIV. Whether the short-term physiological efficacy of HFN is comparable to NIV is unknown and there is no study on the benefit of HFN in CF patients. The aim of this study is to compare the physiological effects of HFN and NIV in CF patients requiring ventilatory support. Our hypothesis is that HFN will not be inferior to NIV, as evaluated by breathing pattern, gas exchange, and respiratory workload and will decrease dead space. In addition, comfort and preference between the two techniques will be evaluated.

Interventions

DEVICEHigh flow nasal oxygen cannula

HFN will be set with an inspiratory flow rate at 45-55 L/min (maximal tolerated flow), temperature at 37°C or 34°C if perceived as too warm, and fraction on inspired oxygen (FiO2) will be adjusted to achieve an oxygen saturation (SpO2) of at least 92%.

DEVICENoninvasive ventilation

The setting of NIV will be appropriately adjusted, based on the clinical assessment of the respiratory therapist in charge and will not be modified during the test.

Sponsors

Unity Health Toronto
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age ≥ 18 years * Cystic fibrosis as defined by clinical features in conjunction with 2 CF causing mutations and/or 2 sweat tests with sweat chloride \> 60 mmol/l * Clinical indication for NIV based on at least one of the following criteria: * Signs of clinical respiratory distress - RR \> 24/min, accessory muscle use, or increased dyspnea * Progressive increase in arterial PCO2 * Nocturnal hypoventilation treated by NIV but requiring daytime NIV because of clinical worsening

Exclusion criteria

* Active massive hemoptysis * Pneumothorax with pleural drainage and persistent air leak * Hemodynamic instability requiring vasopressors * Uncooperative * Recent upper airway or esophageal surgery * Patients with skin or chest wall or abdominal trauma

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
The decrease of diaphragmatic workload (thickening fraction of the diaphragm)30 minutes

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Respiratory parameters30 minutesrespiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation
Gas exchange30 minutespulse oximetry, transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2)
Electromyographic activity of the diaphragm30 minutes

Countries

Canada

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 5, 2026