Squadrone V, Coha M, Cerutti E, Schellino MM, Biolino P, Occella P, Belloni G, Vilianis G, Fiore G, Cavallo F, Ranieri VM. JAMA. 2005 Feb 2;293(5):589-95
Randomised, controlled, unblinded study on 209 patients randomyl assigned to receive oxygen or oxygen plus CPAP via helmet. Primary end point was incidence of endotracheal intubation. Authors conclude that CPAP via helmet 'may decrease the incidence of endotracheal intubation' in this scenario.
Link to abstract.
Rocco M, Dell'Utri D, Morelli A, Spadetta G, Conti G, Antonelli M, Pietropaoli P.Chest. 2004 Nov; 126(5):1508-15
Case-control study of 19 immunocompromised patients treated with NPPV through a helmet vs 19 controls treated through a face mask. Authors conclude helmet represents a 'valid alternative' to face mask in this scenario.
Link to abstract.
Antonelli M, Pennisi MA, Pelosi P, Gregoretti C, Squadrone V, Rocco M, Cecchini L, Chiumello D, Severgnini P, Proietti R, Navalesi P, Conti G. Anesthesiology. 2004 Jan;100(1):16-24
Study of 33 patients with COPD treated with helmet NPPV, compared with 33 historical controls treated with face mask NPPV. In the helmet group, no patients were unable to tolerate NPPV, whereas five of the control group required intubation. Authors conclude that helmet NPPV 'can be used to treat chronic COPD with acute exacerbation'.
Link to abstract.
Principi T, Pantanetti S, Catani F, Elisei D, Gabbanelli V, Pelaia P, Leoni P. Intensive Care Med. 2004 Jan;30(1):147-50
Comparison study of nCPAP through helmet vs face mask on 17 patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory failure. Arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were measured. Authors conclude early nCPAP with helmet imrpoves oxygentation in this scenario.
Link to abstract.
Tonnelier JM, Prat G, Nowak E, Goetghebeur D, Renault A, Boles JM, L'her E. Intensive Care Med. 2003 Nov;29(11):2077-80
Prospective pilot study on 11 adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, treated with helmet CPAP, matched with 11 control patients treated with standard face mask. Primary end points were improvements of gas exchanges and clinical parameters of respiratory distress. Authors conclude the helmet is an 'efficient alternative' to face mask treatment 'even in cases of severe respiratory acidosis and hypercapnia'.
Link to abstract.