ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) in Post-extubation acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. MethodsThe Domestic and foreign databases were searched for all published available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about HFNC therapy in post-extubation AECOPD patients. The experimental group was treated with HFNC, while the control group was treated with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). The main outcome measurements included reintubation rate. The secondary outcomes measurements included oxygenation index after extubation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mortality, comfort score and adverse reaction rate. Meta-analysis was performed by Revman 5.3 software. ResultA total of 20 articles were enrolled. There were 1516 patients enrolled, with 754 patients in HFNC group, and 762 patients in control group. The results of Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant difference in reintubation rate [RR=1.41, 95%CI 0.97 - 2.07, P=0.08] and mortality [RR=0.91, 95%CI 0.58 - 1.44, P=0.69]. Compared with NIPPV, HFNC have advantages in 24 h oxygenation index after extubation [MD=4.66, 95%CI 0.26 - 9.05, P=0.04], length of ICU stay [High risk group: SMD –0.52, 95%CI –0.74 - –0.30; Medium and low risk group: MD –1.12, 95%CI –1.56- –0.67; P<0.00001], comfort score [MD=1.90, 95%CI 1.61 - 2.19, P<0.00001] and adverse reaction rate [RR=0.22, 95%CI 0.16 - 0.31, P<0.00001]. ConclusionsCompared with NIPPV, HFNC could improve oxygenation index after extubation, shorten the length of ICU stay, effectively improve Patient comfort, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions and it did not increase the risk of reintubation and mortality. It is suggested that HFNC can be cautiously tried for sequential treatment of AECOPD patients after extubation, especially those who cannot tolerate NIPPV.