Non-invasive mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlates for success.

Abstract

The severity of the episode of acute respiratory failure as assessed by clinical and functional compromise, and the level of acidosis and hypercapnia during an initial trial of non-invasive mechanical ventilation, have an influence on the likelihood for success with non-invasive mechanical ventilation and may prove to be useful in deciding whether to continue with this treatment.