Impact of HFNC application on mortality and intensive care length of stay in acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia

•HFNC improves oxygenation in COVID-19.•HFNC decreases the need for intubation and mortality in COVID-19.•HFNC does not change the length of stay in intensive care. In Covid-19 pneumonia, high mortality rates reported in intubated patients have raised non-invasive methods of respiratory support. We aimed to evaluate the impact of HFNC application on intubation requirement, intensive care length of stay, and short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients receiving oxygen by reservoir mask or HFNC therapy in our intensive care units due to COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the study. Group H consisted of patients who received HFNC, and Group K consisted of patients who received conventional oxygen therapy (COT). The number of patients intubated, duration of intensive care stay and short-term mortality were recorded. 43 patients were included. The short-term mortality and the number of patients with intubation need was lower in Group H. There was no significant difference between the Groups in the length of intensive care stay. Administration of HFNC in respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia decreases the need for intubation and mortality.