title: Inspissated secretions: a life-threatening complication of prolonged noninvasive ventilation.
abstract: Noninvasive Ventilation is frequently initiated in an attempt to avoid the complications of invasive mechanical ventilation. The optimal duration of this strategy is unclear, as prolonged noninvasive ventilation has associated complications. This case report illustrates the development of life-threatening inspissated secretions precipitating airway obstruction as a consequence of prolonged noninvasive ventilation.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Care Department and the Trauma and Life Support Center, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA. kew@medicine.wisc.edu
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Flaten
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Backes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000378:metabolism*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors