A Case report on non-invasive ventilation in the management of acute COPD exacerbation (AECOPD)

Abstract

Recent years have seen the emergence of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as an important tool for management of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several well-conducted studies in the recent years have established its role in the initial, as well as later management of these patients. The aim of this case report is to encourage ICU physician to use NIV on selected AECOPD patients, therefore to reduce the need for endotracheal intubation, the length of hospital stay, and the risk of death. In this case report, we selected a case of AECOPD whose symptoms were getting worse in spite of adequate conventional treatment. He was given NIV for 20 hours following a standard protocol. Final result showed significant improvement in patient's symptoms, vital signs and ABG parameters ultimately patient stay time in ICU was reduced and patient was also benefited financially. From this first ever-successful application of NIV in our ICU we learned that we can use it successfully in next cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/kyamcj.v2i1.13522 KYAMC Journal Vol.2(1) 2011 pp.152-155