The Prognostic Value of PaCO2 on the Response to Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with AECOPD Complicated by Type II Respiratory Failure

Background

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) complicated by Type II respiratory failure frequently requires noninvasive ventilation (NIV). However, 10– 25% of patients fail NIV and require intubation. The optimal timing and threshold of partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO 2 ) for predicting NIV failure remain unclear.

Methods