What Is the Utility of Noninvasive Ventilation in the Management of Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Brit Long, MD (EBEM Commentator), Michael D. April, MD, DPhil (EBEM Commentator)
Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC), Fort Sam Houston, TX
This meta-analysis indicates that noninvasive ventilation is beneficial for patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations by reducing mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive ventilation may improve hospital length of stay, serum pH, and oxygen partial pressure. Additional studies evaluating noninvasive ventilation in other settings and populations may support its further use.
Take-Home Message
In patients with acute respiratory failure from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, noninvasive ventilation reduces death and intubation compared with standard treatments.
