PHYSIOLOGICAL-EFFECTS AND OPTIMIZATION OF NASAL ASSIST-CONTROL VENTILATION FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE IN RESPIRATORY-FAILURE

Background - A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of non- invasive assist-control ventilation (ACV) by nasal mask on respiratory physiological parameters and comfort in acute on chronic respiratory failure (ACRF). Methods - Fifteen patients with chronic obstructive pu lmonary disease (COPD) were prospectively and randomly assigned to two non-invasive ventilation (NIV) sequences in spontaneous breathing (SB ) and ACV mode. ACV settings were always optimised and therefore subse quently adjusted according to patient's tolerance and air leaks. Resul ts - ACV significantly decreased all the total inspiratory work of bre athing (WOBinsp) parameters, pressure time product, and oesophageal pr essure variation in comparison with SB mode. The ACV mode also resulte d in a significant reduction in surface diaphragmatic electromyographi c activity to 36% of the control values and significantly improved the breathing pattern. SB did not change the arterial blood gas tensions from baseline values whereas ACV significantly improved both the Pao(2 ) from a mean (SD) of 8.45 (2.95) kPa to 13.31 (2.15) kPa, Paco(2) fro m 9.52 (1.61) kPa to 7.39 (1.39) kPa, and the pH from 7.32 (0.03) to 7 .40 (0.07). The respiratory comfort was significantly lower with ACV t han with SB. Conclusions - This study shows that the clinical benefit of non-invasive ACV in the management of ACRF in patients with COPD re sults in a reduced inspiratory muscle activity providing an improvemen t in breathing pattern and gas exchange. Despite respiratory discomfor t, the muscle rest provided appears sufficient when ACV settings are o ptimised.