Chinese Med J Peking
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Chinese Med J Peking · Dec 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEarly use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.
Respiratory muscle fatigue plays an important role in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). In previous clinical studies, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) was proved to be successful only for AECOPD patients with severe respiratory failure. We hypothesized that, the outcomes of AECOPD would be improved if NPPV is early (within 24 to 48 hours of admission) administered in those patients with respiratory muscle fatigue and mild respiratory insufficiency, especially in patients without fulfilling the conventional criteria of mechanical ventilatory support. ⋯ The early use of NPPV on general ward improves arterial blood gas and respiratory pattern, decreases the rate of need for intubation in AECOPD patients. NPPV is indicative for alleviating respiratory muscle fatigue and preventing respiratory failure from exacerbation.