Management of immune checkpoint inhibitor–related acute hypoxic neuromuscular respiratory failure using high-flow nasal cannula

Abstract

Immune-related adverse events are increasingly associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of cancers. While neurological immune-related adverse events are rare, immune-related myasthenia gravis and immune-related myositis can lead to myasthenic crisis and acute respiratory failure. High-flow nasal cannula is an emerging alternative in critically ill patients for early treatment in neuromuscular acute hypoxic respiratory failure as well as for those who cannot endure noninvasive positive pressure ventilation with face mask. We describe use of high-flow nasal cannula in a patient with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and psychological distress due to the immune-related adverse event of myasthenic crisis.

Keywords:

• High-flow nasal cannula
• immune checkpoint inhibitors
• immune-related adverse events
• myasthenic crisis
• noninvasive positive pressure ventilation