PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR SUCCESS OF VNI IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become the technique of choice for assisting COPD patients in severe exacerbation. However, the success of NIV in these patients remains relatively uncertain, and the factors predicting success are not known. A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of our patients was 61 ± 10 years, with a male predominance. Predictive factors for transfer to intensive care were: cyanosis, heart rate above 110 b/min, signs of respiratory encephalopathy and poor adaptation to NIV. Length of hospital stay was longer in subjects with confusion on admission, hypercapnia. Positive expiratory pressure set at a pressure level ¿ 5 statistically significantly shortens hospital stay. Factors predictive of NIV failure in patients hospitalized for severe COPD exacerbation were: the presence of cyanosis, tachycardia and the presence of neurological signs, as well as poor adaptation to NIV.