Non-invasive Positive Pressure (NPPV ) for Severe Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation for the Treatment of Severe Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Assessment of the effect and safety of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinically stable, hypercapnic GOLD stage IV COPD, aged 18 years or older, baseline arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) of 6.7 kPa (50 mmHg) or higher and a pH higher than 7·35, measured after at least 1 h rest in a sitting position.

Exclusion Criteria:

• thorax or the lung other than COPD
• No smoking or Cigarette≤10/day
• obesity with a bodymass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m²
• malignant co-morbidities,severe heart failure (New York Heart Association stage IV),unstable angina, and severe arrhythmias.