Non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of severe polymicrobial community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

A 57-year-old man, homeless was taken to the Emergency Department (ED) after a history of three day of fever (39°C) cough and purulent expectoration. He presented alcohol abuse, and untreated chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Later he was transferred to Respiratory Sub-ICU. At admission to Respiratory Sub-ICU, vital signs were: breathing frequency 38 m',