NORMO2: The effect of NOn-invasive Respiratory support on outcoMe and its risks in SARS-COV-2-related hypoxemic respiratory failure

COVID-19 can lead to oxygen deficiency due to pneumonia. Treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with artificial ventilation with a tube in the trachea (or invasive ventilation) is often necessary. This burdensome treatment has many disadvantages for the patient, but also for society, as the number of available ICU beds is limited. Preventing artificial ventilation and ICU admission is therefore very important. Goal To determine whether the use of less complex respiratory support can prevent tube assisted ventilation in patients with COVID-19. Research design Using databases that have collected data from thousands of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic, the researchers hope to provide clear answers to the following questions: Can artificial ventilation and ICU admission be prevented with non-invasive respiratory support (NIAO)? Examples of this are high flow oxygen administration and face mask ventilation. Is it possible to predict the success of NIAO at an early stage? Continuing NIAO for a long time and thus delaying artificial respiration can be harmful. Does NIAO have a beneficial effect for patients who no longer go to the ICU?