Oxygen Therapy During Acute Respiratory Failure in Immuno-compromised Patients

In immunocompromised patients, Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is associated with a high case-fatality, particularly when invasive Mechanical Ventilation (MV) is required. In the most hypoxemic patients, oxygen administration through High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) has been reported as an alternative to the venturi mask. The aim of this study is to compare HFNC and venturi mask on early respiratory deterioration and patient's comfort in that setting. The investigators planned a prospective randomized study in 4 Intensive Care Units (ICUs). As respiratory deterioration occurs early after ICU admission, patients are randomized to receive two hours of oxygen therapy either through HFNC or venturi mask. The primary endpoint is defined as the need for invasive or noninvasive MV in the 2-hour period. Secondary endpoints include comfort, dyspnea and thirst.