Early Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Improves Survival in Immunocompromised Patients with Pneumonitis and Hypoxemia

SYNOPSIS:In selected immunosuppressed patients with fever, pulmonary infiltrates, and hypoxemia, noninvasive ventilation is associated with decreased need for endotracheal intubation and improved survival to hospital discharge. SOURCE:Hilbert G, Gruson D, Vargas F et al. Noninvasive ventilation in immunosuppressed patients with pulmonary infiltrates, fever, and acute respiratory failure. N Engl J Med. 2001;344:481–487.