Difficulty in finding suitable patients

An uncontrolled feasibility study on using mouth piece ventilation in palliation of dyspnea in subjects with acute exacerbation of COPD without acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Subjects are recruited from the local respiratory ward. The main outcomes are the compliance of the subjects with the treatment and alleviation of dyspnea during the treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a previous diagnosis of COPD
• hospitalized due to acute exacerbation of COPD
• at least moderate dyspnea (NRS = Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 4)
• no acute hypoventilation (pH ≥ 7.35 and PCO2 ≤ 6.0 kPa)
• able to understand the study and to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to participate and use MPV due to e.g. delirium or lack of co-operation
• acute hypoventilation (pH < 7.35 or PCO2 > 6.0 kPa)
• acute need for ventilatory support
• the cause of the dyspnea can be successfully treated
• unable to give informed consent
• a previous chronic hypoxemic or hypercapnic respiratory insufficiency that has been treated on a long-term basis also at home