Efficacy Of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Research Articles

Evaluating the Efficacy of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Managing Acute Exacerbations of COPD in a Tertiary Care Centre Hapur Uttar Pradesh

Evaluating the Efficacy of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Managing Acute Exacerbations of COPD in a Tertiary Care Centre Hapur Uttar Pradesh

Benefits of dexmedetomidine during noninvasive mechanical ventilation in major abdominal surgery patients with postoperative respiratory failure.

The efficacy of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) on the postoperative ARF is conflicting and the failure rate of NIMV in this patient population is high. In our study, we hypothesized that the use of dexmedetomidine during NIMV in major abdominal surgical patients can reduce NIMV failure without significant side affect. Medical records of patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, admitted to our general surgery intensive care unit (ICU), developed postoperative ARF, received NIMV (with oro-nasal mask) and dexmedetomidine infusion were enrolled in this study. The infusion rate was adjusted to maintain a target sedation level of a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) (-2)-(-3). The sedation was stopped when NIMV was discontinued. A total of 60 patients, 42 (70.0%) male, and 18 (30.0%) female, with a mean age of 68 ± 11 years were included in the study. The mean APACHE II score was 20 ± 6. Dexmedetomidine was infused for a median of 25 h (loading dose of 0.2 mcg/kg for 10 min, maintained at 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/h, titrated every 30 min). RASS score of all study group significantly improved at the 2 h of dexmedetomidine initiation (+3 vs. -2, p = 0.01). A targeted sedation level was achieved in 92.5% of patients. Six (10.0%) patients developed bradycardia and 5 (8.3%) patients had hypotension. The mean NIMV application time was 23.4 ± 6.1 h. Seven (11.6%) patients experienced NIMV failure, all due to worsening pulmonary conditions, and required intubation and invasive ventilation. Fifty-three (88.3%) patients were successfully weaned from NIMV with dexmedetomidine sedation and discharged from ICU. The duration of NIMV application and ICU stay was shorter in NIMV succeded group (21.4 ± 3.2 vs. 29.9 ± 6.4; p = 0.012). Our study suggests that dexmedetomidine demonstrates effective sedation in patients with postoperative ARF during NIMV application after abdominal surgery. Dexmedetomidine can be considered safe and capable of improving NIMV success.

The Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in the Management of COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Study.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and ventilator-delivered non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) were used to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to lack of ventilators and manpower resources despite the paucity of data regarding their efficacy. This prospective study aimed to analyse the efficacy of HFNC versus NIV in the management of COVID-19 ARDS. A total of 88 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients with moderate ARDS were recruited. Linear regression and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used for trends in vital parameters over time. A total of 37 patients were on HFNC, and 51 were on NIV. Patients in the HFNC group stayed slightly but not significantly longer in the ICU as compared to their NIV counterparts (HFNC vs. NIV: 8.00 (4.0-12.0) days vs. 7.00 (2.0-12.0) days; p = 0.055). Intubation rates, complications, and mortality were similar in both groups. The switch to HFNC from NIV was 5.8%, while 37.8% required a switch to NIV from HFNC. The resolution of respiratory alkalosis was better with NIV. We conclude that in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with moderate ARDS, the duration of treatment in the ICU, intubation rate, and mortality did not differ significantly with the use of HFNC or NIV for respiratory support.

Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation slows motor decline in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a population-based study (P10-8.003)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To test whether Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (NIMV) use improved the rate of motor decline among ALS patients. <h3>Background:</h3> The efficacy of NIMV in improving Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) survival and quality of life is well established. However, data regarding its effect on disease progression are still lacking. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This population-based cohort study included 630 patients with ALS from the Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Register for ALS (PARALS) who were followed up after NIV initiation. Motor function was evaluated with the ALS Functional Rating Score – Revised (ALSFRS-R). Mixed-effect models for longitudinal data were performed to assess change in the rate of functional decline after NIMV initiation. <h3>Results:</h3> NIMV was associated with a ~30% reduction in the ΔALSFRS-R (post-NIMV difference in ΔALSFRS-R −0.46, 97.5% CI −0.43 to −0.49, p&lt;0.0001). The NIMV-related slowing was present on bulbar symptoms (post-NIMV difference in ΔALSFRS-R −0.08, 97.5% CI −0.065 to −0.010, p &lt; 0.0001) and even greater on spinal function (post-NIMV difference in ΔALSFRS-R −0.42, 97.5% CI −0.39 to −0.46, p &lt; 0.0001). All patients benefitted from NIMV usage, regardless of age, site of symptoms onset and presence of cognitive impairment. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> We demonstrate that NIMV significantly improves the rate of disease progression in ALS, regardless of age at symptoms onset, disease duration, presence of bulbar dysfunction or cognitive impairment. Our results reinforce the importance of not delaying NIMV initiation. In addition, NIMV-induced slowing of disease progression should also be accounted for when evaluating clinical trial outcomes. Further studies are required to optimize the effectiveness of respiratory care on disease progression in ALS. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Grassano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Koumantakis has nothing to disclose. Cristina Moglia has nothing to disclose. Antonio Canosa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Manera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vasta has nothing to disclose. Francesca Palumbo has nothing to disclose. Mr. Callegaro has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marchese has nothing to disclose. Paolina Salamone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fuda has nothing to disclose. Federico Casale has nothing to disclose. Dr. Calvo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mora has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chio has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Cytokinetics. Dr. Chio has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Mitsubishi. Dr. Chio has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen.

High-flow nasal oxygen cannula vs. noninvasive mechanical ventilation to prevent reintubation in sepsis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh-flow nasal oxygen cannula (HFNC) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) can prevent reintubation in critically ill patients. However, their efficacy in post-extubated sepsis patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of HFNC vs. NIV to prevent reintubation in post-extubated sepsis patients.MethodsWe conducted a single-centre, prospective, open-labelled, randomised controlled trial at the medical intensive care unit of Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Sepsis patients who had been intubated, recovered, and passed the spontaneous breathing trial were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either HFNC or NIV support immediately after extubation. The primary outcome was rate of reintubation at 72 h after extubation.ResultsBetween 1st October 2017 and 31st October 2019, 222 patients were enrolled and 112 were assigned to the HFNC group and 110 to the NIV group. Both groups were well matched in baseline characteristics. The median [IQR] age of the HFNC group was 66 [50–77] vs. 65.5 [54–77] years in the NIV group. The most common causes of intubation at admission were shock-related respiratory failure (57.1% vs. 55.5%) and acute hypoxic respiratory failure (34.8% vs. 40.9%) in the HFNC and NIV groups, respectively. The duration of mechanical ventilation before extubation was 5 [3–8] days in the HFNC group vs. 5 [3–9] days in the NIV group. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome: 20/112 (17.9%) in the HFNC group required reintubation at 72 h compared to 20/110 (18.2%) in the NIV group [relative risk (RR) 0.99: 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.70–1.39); P = 0.95]. The 28-day mortality was not different: 8/112 (7.1%) with HFNC vs. 10/110 (9.1%) with NIV (RR 0.88: 95% CI (0.57–1.37); P = 0.59).ConclusionsAmong sepsis patients, there was no difference between HFNC and NIV in the prevention of reintubation at 72 h after extubation.Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03246893; Registered 11 August 2017; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03246893?term=surat+tongyoo&draw=2&rank=3

Noninvasive ventilation in a pediatric ICU: factors associated with failure.

Objective Evaluate the efficacy of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation (NIV) in preventing Endotracheal Intubation (ETI) in a heterogeneous pediatric population and identify predictive factors associated with NIV failure in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods Prospective non-randomized clinical trial conducted with patients aged 0-10 years, hospitalized in a PICU with NIV indication, who presented acute or chronic respiratory failure. Demographic data and clinical and cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated, and patients who did not progress to ETI in 48 h after withdrawal of NIV were classified as "success group", whereas those who progressed to ETI were included in the "failure group". Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the predictive factors of failure to prevent ETI. Results Fifty-two patients, 27 (51.9%) males, with median age of 6 (1-120) months were included in the study. When evaluating the effectiveness of NIV, 36 (69.2%) patients were successful, with no need for ETI. After analyzing the predictive factors associated with failure, patients with tachypnea after 2 h of NIV were 4.8 times more likely to require ETI in 48 h. Regardless of outcome, heart (p<0.001) and respiratory (p<0.001) rates decreased and oxygen saturation (p<0.001) increased after 2 h of NIV. Conclusion We concluded that use of NIV was effective in the studied population, with significant improvement in cardiorespiratory parameters after 2 h of NIV, and that tachypnea was a predictive factor of failure to prevent ETI.

The efficacy of initial ventilation strategy for adult immunocompromised patients with severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial (VENIM)

BackgroundAcute respiratory failure (ARF) is still one of the most severe complications in immunocompromised patients. Our previous systematic review showed noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) reduced mortality, length of hospitalization and ICU stay in AIDS/hematological malignancy patients with relatively less severe ARF, compared to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, this systematic review was based on 13 observational studies and the quality of evidence was low to moderate. The efficacy of NIV in more severe ARF and in patients with other causes of immunodeficiency is still unclear. We aim to determine the efficacy of the initial ventilation strategy in managing ARF in immunocompromised patients stratified by different disease severity and causes of immunodeficiency, and explore predictors for failure of NIV.Methods and analysisThe VENIM is a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effects of NIV compared with IMV in adult immunocompromised patients with severe hypoxemic ARF. Patients who meet the indications for both forms of ventilatory support will be included. Primary outcome will be 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes will include in-hospital mortality, length of stay in hospital, improvement of oxygenation, nosocomial infections, seven-day organ failure, adverse events of intervention, et al. Subgroups with different disease severity and causes of immunodeficiency will also be analyzed.DiscussionVENIM is the first randomized controlled trial aiming at assessing the efficacy of initial ventilation strategy in treating moderate and severe acute respiratory failure in immunocompromised patients. The result of this RCT may help doctors with their ventilation decisions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02983851. Registered 2 September 2016.

The Efficacy of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation as a Rescue Therapy for Relieving Dyspnea in Patients With Stable Severe COPD

The Efficacy of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation as a Rescue Therapy for Relieving Dyspnea in Patients With Stable Severe COPD

Efficacy of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in prevention of intubation and reintubation in the pediatric intensive care unit

PurposeTo determine the efficiency of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) both in protection from intubation and in preventing reintubation of postextubation in patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in a multidisciplinary 10-bed tertiary PICU of a university hospital. All patients were admitted to our unit from June 2012 to May 2014 and deemed to be candidates to receive continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure. Measurements and ResultsWe performed 160 NIV episodes in 137 patients. Their median age was 9 months (range, 1-240 months), and their median weight was 7.5 kg (range, 2.5-65 kg). Fifty-seven percent of patients were male. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation was successful in 70% (112 episodes) of patients. There was an underlying illness in 83.8% (134 episodes) of the patients. Bilevel positive airway pressure support was given to 57.5% (92 episodes) of the patients, whereas the remaining 42.5% (68 episodes) received continuous positive airway pressure support. Among the causes of respiratory failure in our patients, the most frequent were postextubation, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, atelectasia, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Sedation was applied in 43.1% of the episodes. Complications were detected in 29 episodes (18.1 %). The NIV failure group showed higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality III-24 score, shorter NIV duration, more frequent underlying disease, lower number fed, longer length of PICU stay, and hospital stay, and mortality was higher. ConclusionsNoninvasive mechanical ventilation effectively and reliably reduced endotracheal intubation in the treatment of respiratory failure due to different clinical situations. Our results suggest that NIV can play an important role in PICUs in helping to avoid intubation and prevent reintubation. Although there were serious underlying diseases in most of our patients, such as immunosuppression, 70% avoided intubation with use of NIV.

Non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders: A review and update

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was originally used in patients with acute respiratory compromises or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases as an alternative to intubation. Over the last thirty years NIV has been used during the night in patients with stable chronic lung diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea, the overlap syndrome (COPD and obstructive sleep apnea), neuromuscular disorders, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome and in other conditions such as sleep disorders associated with congestive heart failure.In this review we discuss the different types of NIV, the specific conditions in which they can be used as well as the indications, recommendations, and evidence supporting the efficacy of NIV.

Non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders: A review and update

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was originally used in patients with acute respiratory compromises or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases as an alternative to intubation. Over the last thirty years NIV has been used during the night in patients with stable chronic lung diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea, the overlap syndrome (COPD and obstructive sleep apnea), neuromuscular disorders, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome and in other conditions such as sleep disorders associated with congestive heart failure.In this review we discuss the different types of NIV, the specific conditions in which they can be used as well as the indications, recommendations, and evidence supporting the efficacy of NIV.

Noninvasive ventilation in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders: concise clinical review

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was originally used in patients with acute respiratory compromises or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, as an alternative to the endotracheal tube. Over the last thirty years NPPV has been also used during the night in patients with stable chronic lung disease such as obstructive sleep apnea, the overlap syndrome (COPD and obstructive sleep apnea), neuromuscular disorders, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, and in other conditions such as sleep disorders associated with congestive heart failure (Cheyne-Stokes respiration). In this review we discuss the different types of NPPV, the specific conditions in which they can be used and the indications, recommendations and evidence supporting the efficacy of NIV. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is characterized commonly by instability of upper airway during sleep, reduction or elimination of airflow, daytime hypersomnolence, sleep disruption. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders including hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. Optimizing patient acceptance and adherence to non-invasive ventilation treatment is challenging. The treatment of sleep-related disorders is a life-threatening condition. The optimal level of treatment should be determinate in a sleep laboratory. Side effects directly affecting the patient’s adherence to treatment are known. The most common are nasopharyngeal symptoms including increased congestion and rhinorrhea; these effects are related to reduced humidity of inspired gas. Humidification of delivered gas may improve these symptoms. Sleep specialists should review the results of objective testing with the patient. Education of the patient concerning the nature of the disorder and treatment options is important. General education on the impact of weight loss, sleep position, alcohol avoidance, risk factor modification and medication effects should be discussed. The patient should be counseled on the risks and management of drowsy driving. Patient education should optimally be delivered as a part of a multidisciplinary chronic disease management team.

Efficacy of noninvasive volume targeted ventilation in patients with chronic respiratory failure due to kyphoscoliosis.

Severe kyphoscoliosis can cause chronic respiratory failure. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is a new optional treatment for such patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) NIMV in patients with kyphoscoliotic chronic respiratory failure. The study was performed in 12 patients (mean age 49±11 years and body mass index 27.5±7.9 kg/m2) with advanced kyphoscoliosis complicated by severe respiratory failure (PaO2 6.68±0.34 kPa, SaO2 81.7±3.1%, PaCO2 9.51±1.08 kPa) treated by the NIMV. The short-term, after 5 days, and long-term, after 1 year of home treatment, efficacy of NIMV was evaluated. We found a significant improvement of diurnal PaO2 and PaCO2 on the 5th day of NIMV (an increase of 1.4±0.3 kPa and a decrease of 1.8±0.8 kPa, respectively; p<0.05) and after one year NIMV (an increase of 2.07±0.46 kPa and a decrease of 2.68±0.85 kPa, respectively; p<0.05). There was a significant increase of mean blood oxygen saturation during sleep on the 5th day (86.2±3.2%) and after 1 year of treatment (89.4±2.1%) compared with the baseline level (83.2±3.2%). The forced vital capacity also increased after 1 year (1,024±258 ml vs. the baseline 908±267 ml; p<0.05). The NIMV was well tolerated and no patient discontinued the treatment during the observation period. We conclude that AVAPS NIMV is an effective treatment option in kyphoscoliotic patients with chronic respiratory failure, resulting in a prompt and long-term improvement of daytime and nocturnal blood gas exchange.

Clinical review: Helmet and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) has proved to be an excellent technique in selected critically ill patients with different forms of acute respiratory failure. However, NIV can fail on account of the severity of the disease and technical problems, particularly at the interface. The helmet could be an alternative interface compared to face mask to improve NIV success. We performed a clinical review to investigate the main physiological and clinical studies assessing the efficacy and related issues of NIV delivered with a helmet. A computerized search strategy of MEDLINE/PubMed (January 2000 to May 2012) and EMBASE (January 2000 to May 2012) was conducted limiting the search to retrospective, prospective, nonrandomized and randomized trials. We analyzed 152 studies from which 33 were selected, 12 physiological and 21 clinical (879 patients). The physiological studies showed that NIV with helmet could predispose to CO2 rebreathing and increase the patients' ventilator asynchrony. The main indications for NIV were acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (community-acquired pneumonia, postoperative and immunocompromised patients) and hypercapnic acute respiratory failure. In 9 of the 21 studies the helmet was compared to a face mask during either continous positive airway pressure or pressure support ventilation. In eight studies oxygenation was similar in the two groups, while the intubation rate was similar in four and lower in three studies for the helmet group compared to face mask group. The outcome was similar in six studies. The tolerance was better with the helmet in six of the studies. Although these data are limited, NIV delivered by helmet could be a safe alternative to the face mask in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Non-Invasive Ventilation in the Treatment of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: Concise Clinical Review

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was originally used in patients with acute respiratory compromises or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, as an alternative to the endotracheal tube. Over the last thirty years NPPV has been also used during the night in patients with stable chronic lung disease such as obstructive sleep apnea, the overlap syndrome (COPD and obstructive sleep apnea), neuromuscular disorders, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, and in other conditions such as sleep disorders associated with congestive heart failure (Cheyne-Stokes respiration). In this review we discuss the different types of NPPV, the specific conditions in which they can be used and the indications, recommendations and evidence supporting the efficacy of NIV. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is characterized commonly by instability of upper airway during sleep, reduction or elimination of airflow, daytime hypersomnolence, sleep disruption. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders including hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. Optimizing patient acceptance and adherence to non-invasive ventilation treatment is challenging. The treatment of sleep-related disorders is a life-threatening condition. The optimal level of treatment should be determinate in a sleep laboratory. Side effects directly affecting the patient’s adherence to treatment are known. The most common are nasopharyngeal symptoms including increased congestion and rhinorrhea; these effects are related to reduced humidity of inspired gas. Humidification of delivered gas may improve these symptoms. Sleep specialists should review the results of objective testing with the patient. Education of the patient concerning the nature of the disorder and treatment options is important. General education on the impact of weight loss, sleep position, alcohol avoidance, risk factor modification and medication effects should be discussed. The patient should be counseled on the risks and management of drowsy driving. Patient education should optimally be delivered as a part of a multidisciplinary chronic disease management team.

Response to Rodriguez and Feltracco: Effectiveness of Noninvasive Ventilation: The Mystery Is in the Bottom Line

Response to Rodriguez and Feltracco: Effectiveness of Noninvasive Ventilation: The Mystery Is in the Bottom Line

Low Efficacy of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Respiratory Failure After Cardiac Surgery: Where Is the Mystery?

We read with interest the article by García-Delgado et al1 who reported on the use of a noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) approach to treat new-onset acute respiratory failure after extubation in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery. The authors retrospectively examined the baseline characteristics of patients on NIV, the adverse events requiring NIV, and the predictive factors for NIV response.

Invasive and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation For Acute Exacerbations Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Comparative Study.

Introduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent cause of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission. Respiratory failure from airflow obstruction is a direct consequenceof acute airway narrowing.Aim of the study: It was to compare the efficacy of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) against conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Patients and methods: Forty patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were recruited in the present study. A comparative, hospital based study design was used. All the cases were examined; clinically and laboratory. The patients were divided into two groups each include 20 patients. Group A received NIMV in the form of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and group B with CMV. Results: There were statistically significant decreases in respiratory rate, heart rate and diastolic blood pressure after 6 hours of CPAP in comparison to baseline parameters in group A. While, there were statistically significant increases in PaO2 and SaO2 after 6 hours of CPAP in comparison to baseline parameters. In group B there were statistically significant decreases in respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after 6 hours of CMV in comparison to baseline parameters. While, there were statistically significant increases in pH, PaO2, and SaO2 and a statistically significant decrease in PaCO2 after 6 hours of CMV in comparison to baseline parameters. Further, comparison of respiratory rate and hemodynamic parameters in both groups showed statistically significant decreases in respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in group A in comparison to group B. Finally, failure rate was 35.0% in group A (NIMV) compared to 5.0% in group B (CMV) with statistically significant difference. Conclusions and recommendations: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation is a safe and effective means of improving gas exchange in patients with acute exacerbations of CPPD. If patient not respond to NIMV, CMV should be used. Further studies are needed to evaluate the appropriate selection of patients and to find the best level and schedule of ventilation.

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in clinical practice: a 2-year experience in a medical intensive care unit.

To evaluate the feasibility and outcome results of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) in daily clinical practice outside any prospective protocol-driven trial. An observational retrospective cohort study. A 22-bed medical intensive care unit in a university hospital. A consecutive cohort of 124 patients who underwent 143 NIV trials, regardless of the indication, over two consecutive years (1997-1998). None. A total of 604 acute respiratory failure patients underwent mechanical ventilation, and 143 NIVs were performed in 124 patients. The overall prevalence of NIV use was 143 of 604 patients (24%) in three groups: hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (29.5%), hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (41%), and weaning/postextubation (29.5%). Intubation was avoided in 92 of 143 of the NIVs performed (64%), 19 (13%) after changing the initial NIV mode (i.e., a success rate of 62%, 51%, and 86% in the three groups, respectively). A total of 35 of 51 intubated patients (69%) required intubation during the first 24 hrs of NIV. Intensive care unit stay was 12 +/- 10 days for the overall population, and mortality, when NIV failed, was 13 of 124 patients (10.5%). Arterial pH (p =.0527) and the Pao2/Fio2 ratio (p =.0482) after 1 hr were the only independent predictive factors for NIV failure by multivariate analysis. This study confirms the results of controlled trials and demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of NIV applied in daily clinical practice. These results suggest that NIV should be considered as a first-line ventilatory treatment in various etiologies of acute respiratory failure and as a promising weaning technique and postextubation ventilatory support. However, NIV should certainly be performed by a motivated and sufficiently trained care team.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in acute respiratory distress without prior chronic respiratory failure.

We evaluated the efficacy of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in alleviating distress and avoiding intubation in patients with de novo acute respiratory failure complicating primary medical disorders. Eleven consecutive patients with severe respiratory distress were entered. In all patients a decision to intubate on an urgent basis had been made, but NIMV could be initiated within minutes. The patients suffered from acute pulmonary edema (five), sepsis/ARDS (two), status asthmaticus (two), and severe pneumonia (two). Dyspnea score (max=10) was (+/- SD) 8.4 +.- 1.6, scale for accessory muscle use (max=5) was 4.2 +/- 0.7, and respiratory rate was 37.6 +/- 3.8 min -1. Pa CO2, pH, and base excess (BE) were 48 +/- 18 mm Hg, 7.27 +/- 0.13, and -5.5 +/- 7.4, respectively, with five patients showing severe metabolic acidosis (BE < - 10). NIMV was applied using proportional assist ventilation. There were three early failures. These included the two patients with sepsis/ARDS who did not tolerate the mask. One patient failed because Pa CO2 and pH deteriorated despite subjective improvement. The remaining eight patients demonstrated progressive improvement, and none required intubation. The duration of NIMV was 3 h to 2 d. We conclude that when NIMV is made available on a "few minutes" basis, selected patients with severe de novo respiratory distress/failure caused by reversible medical disorders, who would otherwise have been intubated, can be given substantial relief and be spared intubation.