Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF): looking at long-term mortality, prescription of long-term oxygen therapy and chronic non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improves immediate outcomes in patients presenting with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). A previous national audit1 has investigated NIV outcomes in AHRF patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over a 3-month period. But, a more protracted analysis of these patients is needed to determine long-term gains and fatalities. Also, although British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines recommend assessment for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and need for chronic NIV after an episode of AHRF, this practice is variable.

Objectives

Our primary aim was to look at four-year data on mortality following an episode of AHRF. Our secondary aim was to look at the prescription of LTOT and chronic NIV at the time of discharge in the same group.