Non-invasive ventilation in acute exacerbations of COPD

摘要

There is currently great interest in the use of non- invasiveventilation (NIV), particularly in the manage- ment of acuteexacerbations of COPD. The technique differs from invasive mechanicalventilation in that the patient is ventilated via a well-fitting faceor nasal mask rather than an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. Ithas a number of potential advant- ages, but concerns have been voicedthat it may delay endotracheal intubation (ETI) and mechanicalventilation, resulting in a worse outcome, that it is time-consumingand unpleasant for patients.