Automatic adjustment of pressure support by a computer-driven knowledge-based system during noninvasive ventilation: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of using a knowledge-based system designed to automatically titrate pressure support (PS) to maintain the patient in a "respiratory comfort zone" during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute respiratory failure.


METHODS
Prospective crossover interventional study in an intensive care unit of a university hospital.


METHODS
Twenty patients.


METHODS
After initial NIV setting and startup in conventional PS by the chest physiotherapist NIV was continued for 45 min with the automated PS activated.


RESULTS
During automated PS minute-volume was maintained constant while respiratory rate decreased significantly from its pre-NIV value (20+/-3 vs. 25+/-3 bpm). There was a trend towards a progressive lowering of dyspnea. In hypercapnic patients PaCO(2) decreased significantly from 61+/-9 to 51+/-2 mmHg, and pH increased significantly from 7.31+/-0.05 to 7.35+/-0.03. Automated PS was well tolerated. Two system malfunctions occurred prompting physiotherapist intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this feasibility study suggest that the system can be used during NIV in patients with acute respiratory failure. Further studies should now determine whether it can improve patient-ventilator interaction and reduce caregiver workload.
Battisti
Anne
A
University Hospital, Intensive Care, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Roeseler
Jean
J
Tassaux
Didier
D
Jolliet
Philippe
P
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted