INSPIRATORY SUPPORT WITH FACE MASK IN ACU TE NON-HYPERCAPNIC RESPIRATORY-FAILURE

This prospective study assessed, in 10 conscious patients without a hi story of chronic respiratory disease, the feasibility of mechanical pr essure support ventilation with PEEP by face mask for the treatment of acute respiratory failure without hypercapnia. Pressure support level was determined to obtain a VT of 5 to 10 mL . kg(-1) and a decrease o f respiratory rate of more than 20%. FlO(2) and PEEP levels were deter mined to obtain a SpO(2) > 92% and a PaO2 > 70 mmHg. The efficiency of the technique was assessed through the time course of respiratory rat e, PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO(2). The technique was efficient in all patients and tracheal intubation was not required. During face mask ventilatio n, a significant decrease in respiratory rate and an increase in PaO2 and SaO(2) were observed. Pressure support ventilation with PEEP by fa ce mask is an efficient technique for the treatment of acute non hyper capnic respiratory failure in conscious and cooperative patients.