Effect of nocturnal EPAP titration to abolish tidal expiratory flow limitation in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia: a randomized, cross-over pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL_T) promotes intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Applying non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) matching PEEPi improves gas exchange, reduces work of breathing and ineffective efforts. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel NIV mode that continuously adjusts EPAP to the minimum level that abolishes EFL_T.

Methods

This prospective, cross-over, open-label study randomized patients to one night of fixed-EPAP and one night of EFL_T-abolishing-EPAP. The primary outcome was transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (PtcCO₂). Secondary outcomes were: peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), fr

SUBMITTER: Zannin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7672935 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature