Nasal High-flow versus non-invasive ventilation in stable hypercapnic COPD: a preliminary report

Abstract

Background: There are no data available about effectiveness of Nasal High-flow (NHF)in chronic respiratory insufficiency. Methods: Eleven COPD patients with stable hypercapnia were adjusted to NHF-system with a flow of 20 l/min. After six weeks patients were switched to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for another six weeks period. Results: NHF led to significant decreases in resting pCO 2. Between the devices we found no differences in pCO 2 levels. Conclusions: NHF may thus be an alternative treatment device in stable hypercapnic COPD patients.