Use of non-invasive ventilation in acute pulmonary
ABSTRACTObjective: This study analyzed acute respiratory failure caused by acute pulmonary edema, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, that was treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation to identify the factors that are associated with the success or failure non-invasive mechanical ventilation in urgent and emergency service.Methods: This study was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study. We included patients of both genders aged ≥18 years who used noninvasive mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure that was secondary to acute pulmonary edema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Patients with acute respiratory failure that was secondary to pathologies other than acute pulmonary edema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or who presented with contraindications for the technique were excluded. Expiratory pressures between 5 and 8 cmH 2 O and inspiratory pressures between 10 and 12 cmH 2 O were used. Supplemental oxygen maintained peripheral oxygen saturation at >90%. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation.Results: A total of 152 patients were included. The median non-invasive mechanical ventilation time was 6 hours (range 1 -32 hours) for chronic obstructive