Can Nasal-CPAP Oxygen Delivery Minimize Hypoxemia With Deep Sedation?

Background: Airway compromise manifested as hypopnea or apnea, obstruction, and/or hypoxemia can be consequences of propofol sedation. These complications may be greater in obese patients or those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Objective: To assess if oxygen administered via nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to facemask can reduce the incidence of hypoxemia (oxygen saturation at 90%) with propofol sedation for colonoscopies. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled single-site study. Participants/Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years who had a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m 2 , history of OSA, or previous/anticipated difficult airway scheduled for propofol sedation for colonoscopy were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive 10 L/minute oxygen via nasal-CPAP or facemask. Patients were sedated with propofol titrated to loss of consciousness. Sedation was supplemented with opioids (facemask, 1; nasal-CPAP, 2) but no benzodiazepines. Results: D more...