title: Non-invasive ventilation in COPD patients.
abstract: The authors briefly review the clinical applications of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mostly focusing on the application of NIV in the intensive care setting. After a short discussion of the main pathophysiologic aspects of NIV administration in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, the most relevant clinical trials are shortly reviewed, particularly focussing on prospective randomised trials. NIV application is analysed both in its early administration, as a tool to prevent endotracheal intubation and its main complication, and as a technique alternative to endotracheal intubation in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Finally, the main contraindications for NIV are reviewed and discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Sacro Cuore Catholic University, Rome, Italy. g.conti@rm.unicatt.it
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Craba
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Festa
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Catarci
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical