Long-Term Domiciliary Noninvasive Ventilation for COPD

COPD can lead to abnormalities in oxygenation as well as ventilation. Thanks to pioneering work by Dr Thomas Petty, supplemental oxygen therapy has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality for individuals with COPD and severe daytime hypoxemia. However, efforts to augment ventilation have been less uniformly successful. Recent studies employing a so-called high-intensity noninvasive ventilation strategy, which used high inspiratory pressures and backup breathing frequency to reduce arterial carbon dioxide levels, have shown improved quality of life and reduced mortality. Thus, efforts are underway to better identify and treat patients with COPD who might benefit from noninvasive ventilation, though many practical questions remain.

Automated summary

COPD can cause abnormalities in oxygenation and ventilation. Supplemental oxygen therapy has been proven effective, while efforts to increase ventilation have been less successful. Recent studies show that high-intensity noninvasive ventilation can improve quality of life and reduce mortality, but identifying and treating COPD patients who could benefit from this treatment still presents challenges.