Pressure support ventilation with a simplified ventilatory support system administered with a nasal mask in patients with respiratory failure.
Thirty-one consecutive patients with respiratory failure in whom treatment with intubation and mechanical ventilation was being strongly considered received alternative ventilatory support by means of a BiPAP ventilatory support system and nasal mask. Laboratory measurements and physical findings were documented before and 1 h after initiation of support. This support improved patient comfort, slowed respiratory rate, and improved oxygenation. Support lasted from 2 h to six days. Seventy-six percent (22/29) of patients recovered from this episode of respiratory failure, avoiding alternative mechanical ventilatory support. There were no complications associated with aspiration, gastric distention, or acute separation from support.
Pennock
B E
BE
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh 15212.
Kaplan
P D
PD
Carlin
B W
BW
Sabangan
J S
JS
Magovern
J A
JA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D013396:Suction
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen