Influence of ICU Case-Volume on the Management and Hospital Outcomes of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease*

Abstract

Between 1998 and 2010, severity and mortality of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to Collège des Utilisateurs de Données en Réanimation ICUs increased. There was an increasing use of noninvasive ventilation and a decreasing use of invasive ventilation. Use of noninvasive ventilation was related to case-volume, suggesting that increasing experience favors the use of noninvasive ventilation and was associated with a strong trend toward decreased mortality.