Application of Bi-level positive airway pressure in patients with severe pneumonia associated with influenza AH1N1 influenza virus of acute respiratory failure

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of noninvasive Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation on the severe influenza A virus associated with pneumonia and acute respiratory failure (ARF).Methods Based on conventional therapy,18 patients with acute respiratory failure caused by severe pneumonia associated with influenza A H1N1 were treated by BiPAP via face mask.The therapeutic effects were observed and evaluated.Results PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 before and after treatment were (52±10) mm Hg,(88±9) mm Hg and (110±30) mm Hg,(200±28) mm Hg,respectively ( P ＜0.05).Endotracheal intubation rate was 25.0％ (6/24) and case-fatality rate was 8.3％ (2/24).Conclusions BiPAP by face mask can reduce the rate of endotracheal intubation in the treatment of severe pneumonia caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus in acute respiratory failure.It could be an effective approach in the emergency treatment with clinical value. Key words: Bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation; Severe influenza A H1N1; Acute respiratory failure