Noninvasive ventilation on reintubation in patients with obesity and hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery: a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial

Although noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may reduce reintubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, this strategy has not been specifically assessed in patients with obesity. We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing NIV delivered via facial mask to standard oxygen therapy among patients with obesity and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure within 7 days after abdominal surgery. The primary outcome was reintubation within 7 days. Secondary outcomes were invasive ventilation-free days at day 30, intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia and 30-day survival. Among 293 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, 76 (26