CPAP Versus Bilevel Pressure Support Ventilation in Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

CPAP Boussignac Versus Bilevel Pressure Support Ventilation in Severe Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

To evaluate whether bilevel positive airway pressure more rapidly improves ventilation than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with acute pulmonary edema. CPAP is delivered via a simple device connected to oxygen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 16 yrs, acute onset of severe respiratory distress, bilateral rales and typical findings of congestion on chest radiograph
• breathing frequency of > 30/min, SpO2 >90%, use of accessory respiratory muscles