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.
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh 15212.
B E
BE
Pennock
P D
PD
Kaplan
B W
BW
Carlin
J S
JS
Sabangan
J A
JA
Magovern
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