Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure

Noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory failure Respiratory failure is defined as a failure to maintain adequate gas exchange and is characterized by abnormalities of arterial blood gas tensions. Type 1 (hypoxemic) respiratory failure is defined by a PaO2 of < 60 mmHg with a normal or low PaCO2. Type 2 (hypercapnic) respiratory failure is defined by a PaO2 of < 60 mmHg and a PaCO2 > 45 mmHg. Noninvasive ventilation refers to the provision of ventilatory support through the patient's upper airway using a mask or similar device. Noninvasive ventilation has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypercapnic respiratory failure, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Noninvasive ventilation may be useful in appropriately selected patients of hypoxemic respiratory failure. In addition, it should always be used in intensive care unit in hypoxemic respiratory failure.