Ward-based non-invasive ventilation for hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD: a ‘real-life’ perspective

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has revolutionized the management of hypercapnic exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, most published data have evaluated highly selected patients within the context of randomized controlled trials. Objective: We wished to evaluate the outcomes of ward-based NIV in ‘real-life’ patients admitted to hospital with a hypercapnic exacerbation of COPD. Methods: Retrospective data (gender, age, baseline pH, PaCO2 and values after 1 and 4 h of NIV, and outcomes) were evaluated for all patients receiving NIV in the respiratory unit of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary from January 2006 to December 2009. Data were analysed in three groups: as a whole, in those with baseline pH ≥7.25 and baseline pH