A Multicenter Randomized Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Helium/Oxygen in Severe Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Heliox improves respiratory acidosis, encephalopathy, and the respiratory rate more quickly than air/O₂ but does not prevent NIV failure. Overall, the rate of NIV failure was low. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01155310).