Ventilación no invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica e insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica en una sala de hospitalización convencional

Abstract

Objective: To analyze chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) subjects in acute hypercapnic failure who were treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation in a general respiratory ward. Methods: This was a two-year prospective study of 35 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and mean FEVI/FVC relation in stable condition of 55.3 ± 14.8% of predicted that were treated with positive pressure respiration using a facemask in a general respiratory ward. 17 (48,5%) receive long-term oxygen therapy. Analysis was made of blood gases, before and after treatment of non-invasive ventilation, complications, and failure during treatment. Results: A significant improvement in blood gases was observed 24 hours after non-invasive ventilation treatment. The mean hospital stay was of 15.0 ± 9.1 days and failures were registered in 3 cases (8.5%). Facial scares were the most common complication (13 patients) but it was possible to continue treatment. Conclusions: Non-invasive ventilation is a viable treatment for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and acute hypercapnic failure being treated in a general respiratory ward.