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.
Antonelli M, Conti G, Pelosi P, Gregoretti C, Pennisi MA, Costa R, Severgnini P, Chiaranda M, Proietti R. Crit Care Med. 2002 Mar;30(3):602-8
Prospective clinical pilot investigation on 33 patients treated with noninvasive pressure support ventilation (NPSV) delivered by helmet. Each patient was matched with two controls with ARF treated with NPSV via a facial mask. Primary end points were improvement of gas exchange, need for endotracheal intubation and the complications related to NPSV. Both groups improved oxygenation after NPSV, less patients failed NPSV and were intubated in the helmet group and less complications occured, while longer continuous application of the tecnique was possible. Authors concluded that NPSV by helmet successfully treated hypoxemic ARF, with better tolerance and fewer complications than facial mask NPSV.
Link to abstract.