Beneficial Effects of Non-Invasive Ventilation After Extubation in Obese or Overweight Patients: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

RATIONALE Whereas non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may prevent reintubation in patients at high-risk of extubation failure in intensive care units (ICUs), this oxygenation strategy has not been specifically assessed in obese patients. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that NIV may decrease the risk of reintubation in obese patients compared with high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO). METHODS Post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (not pre-specified) comparing NIV alternating with HFNO versus HFNO alone after extubation, with the aim of assessing NIV effects according to patient body-mass index (BMI). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Among 623 patients at high-risk of extubation failure, 206 (33%) were obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2), 204 (33%) were overweight (25≤BMI<30), and 213 (34%) were normal or underweight (BMI<25). Significant heterogeneity of NIV effects on the rate of reintubation was found according to BMI (Pinteraction=0.007). Reintubation rates at day 7 were significantly lower with NIV alternating with HFNO than with HFNO alone in obese or overweight patients: 7% (15/204) vs. 20% (41/206); difference, -13%; [95% CI, -19 to -6]; P=0.0002; whereas it did not significantly differ in normal or underweight patients. In-ICU mortality was significantly lower with NIV than with HFNO alone in obese or overweight patients (2% vs. 9%; difference, -6%; [95% CI, -11 to -2]; P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic NIV alternating with HFNO immediately after extubation significantly decreased the risk of reintubation and death as compared with HFNO alone in obese or overweight patients at high-risk of extubation failure. By contrast, NIV was not effective in normal or underweight patients.