The Importance of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Preoxygenation

Preoxygenation is a critical procedure for critically ill patients undergoing intubation, aimed at preventing hypoxemia, which can lead to severe complications. The PREOX trial compared non-invasive ventilation to traditional oxygen masks, showing that patients pre-oxygenated with non-invasive ventilation experienced lower rates of hypoxemia, with 9% versus 18% for those using masks. Despite the promising results, the study had limitations, including selection bias and questions about the applicability of findings to emergency department settings. It is suggested that non-invasive ventilation be considered for preoxygenation in critically ill patients, although further studies are needed to validate these findings comprehensively.