Abstract

CABERLOTTO, Oscar J. et al. Non invasive positive pressure ventilation in  patients with COPD exacerbation. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2007, vol.67, n.2, pp.120-124. ISSN 0025-7680.

This is a prospective study on the implementation of the non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) to treat respiratory failure resulting from exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients hospitalized in a Pneumological Unit. From January 2000 to January 2003, 39 patients were included during 54 different exacerbation events after being evaluated under international standards. They were classified as severe and very severe patients on the basis of their FEV1 values of 26%. Twenty nine patients presented co-morbidities. As a consequence of the NPPV treatment, the pH values increased between the first and last register as well as the pCO₂ dropped in the same period. The initial mean pH values were 7.25 reaching mean values of 7.33 at 2 hours  and 7.39 at the discharge; the corresponding pCO₂ mean values were 83.8 mmHg, 67.8 mmHg and 54.2 mmHg. Thirty five patients out of 39 were discharged after a mean hospitalization length of 13.6 days. Four patients died. Apropriate training of health care staff  in general facilities could allow the implementation of NPPV in addition to usual medical care to treat exacerbation of COPD. High morbidity situations could arise during hospitalization, so invasive ventilation must be necessary.

Keywords : Non invasive positive pressure ventilation; COPD exacerbation; General ward.

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