Invasive vs Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) has been defined as a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2 ) < 60 mm Hg while breathing room air or a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood to the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ) < 300 mm Hg.The etiology can vary from ventilationperfusion mismatch, diffusion impairment, and hypoventilation to low-inspired PO 2 .Oxygen support beyond conventional oxygen therapy includes noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive ventilation.NIV is often provided in the form of noninvasive masks, helmets, and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC).