Indications, Outcome and Complications of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure

Background: The use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in treating of respiratory failure with diverse etiology is now widely studied. The recent increase in the use of NIPPV in the critical care units has been motivated by the desire to minimize complications of invasive ventilation. The present study was conducted to study the indications, outcome and complications of NIPPV in acute respiratory failure patients. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total 110 adult patients of respiratory failure and impending respiratory failure due to various diseases attending a tertiary care centre and admitted in intensive respiratory care unit were studied for outcome and complications of NIPPV utilization. Results: The most common indication of NIPPV was exacerbation of COPD 37 (33.63%) followed by post extubation 30 (27.27%), asthma 14 (12.72%), ARDS 9 (8.18%) and pneumonia 10 (9.09%). NIPPV was effective in 88 (80%) and non-effective in 22 (20%). There was significant improvement which also persisted after successful weaning. Common complications observed were dry mouth in 60 (54.54%) patients, facial injury in 21 (19.09%) patients. Discussion: NIPPV can be utilized as an effective modality in the management of ARF due to diverse etiologies. NIPPV was associated with a reduced need for invasive mechanical ventilation and significant outcome and minor complications.