Noninvasive Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Abstract
There have been a number of uncontrolled studies in which nasal or face-mask ventilation was used successfully to treat acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.18 The concern remains, however, that when this approach is unsuccessful, the delay in intubation and mechanical ventilation may adversely affect the outcome.7 The study by Brochard and coworkers9 in this issue of the Journal firmly establishes a role for noninvasive ventilation in the management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study shows that in most patients with severe abnormalities of arterial-blood gas levels and a high risk of death,10 pressure-support . . .