Home high-flow nasal therapy in a patient with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: A case report

Respir Investig. 2023 Nov;61(6):729-732. doi: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.08.004. Epub 2023 Sep 15.

Abstract

A 62-year-old man with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE), who had been under observation for 19 years, was admitted due to headache, fatigue, and dyspnea. Although no acute findings were detected, his symptoms were attributed to hypercapnia and exertional hypoxemia. He had a history of pneumothorax, but chose not to undergo positive airway pressure ventilation. Consequently, home high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) was initiated, and 4 months later, he observed an improvement in his quality of life, body weight gain, and relief from hypercapnia. These outcomes suggested that home HFNT holds potential for improving the quality of life for patients with PPFE.

Keywords: High-flow nasal therapy; King's brief interstitial lung disease; Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation; Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypercapnia* / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumothorax* / etiology
  • Quality of Life