Non-invasive ventilation for very old patients with limitations to respiratory care in half-open geriatric ward: experience on a consecutive cohort of patients.

Abstract

A leading role for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), as comfort treatment or palliative care, is actually recognized for very old patients suffering from ARF. NIV was frequently used in both ICU and respiratory ICU (RICUs) for very old patients and it is associated with a reduced rate of endotracheal intubations and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the effects of NIV, performed in a setting of half-open geriatric ward with family support, in a cohort of very old patients with ARF and DNI decision. A consecutive cohort of 20 very old patients with DNI decision was admitted in our 26-bed geriatric ward during a 6 months' period. DNI decision was obtained in emergency room with an intensive care physician supported by a psychologist. Pressure support ventilation was the first choice of NIV. NIV has been performed by three adequately trained geriatricians, with one of them experienced in ICU, and in close collaboration with intensive care physicians. Arterial blood gases, to assess the response to ventilation, were obtained after 1, 6 and 12 h. NIV settings were modified according to arterial blood gas analyses or respiratory fatigue, if needed. Therefore, 75% of patients were discharged home and 12 out of 20 patients had home respiratory support. PaO2/FiO2 ratio and pH increased while PaCO2 decreased during the 12 h of NIV with statistical significance. At the admission, alive patients had PaCO2 significantly lower than dead patients. After 12 h, alive patients had a better pH than dead patients. Dead patients experienced more complication than survivors. Very old DNI patients with ARF could be treated with NIV in half-open geriatric ward with trained physicians and nurses. The presence of family members may improve patients' comfort and reduce anxiety level even at the end of life. Further studies are needed to address the effective role of NIV in very old patients with DNI decisions.