Management of acute pulmonary edema in the emergency department.
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a safe and effective technique that can prevent side effects and complications related to endotracheal intubation. Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema is currently the second most common indication for NIV, mainly in emergency departments. In this article we examine recent literature related to the applications of NIV in the acute setting with regard to patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In addition, we examine the epidemiology and the pathophysiology of acute heart failure.
Bellone
Andrea
A
Emergency Department, Valduce Hospital (Como),Via Moncalvo 4/4, Milano 20146, Italy. andreabellone@libero.it
Barbieri
Andrea
A
Bursi
Francesca
F
Vettorello
Marco
M
D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000379:methods*; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*