Bi-level positive airway pressure support system use in acute XXXX : preliminary case series.

@entity1 @entity2507 @entity712 @entity2613
OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a noninvasive bi-level positive airway pressure (PAP) support system for @entity2613 @entity1 with acute @entity712 ( @entity712 ). METHODS: Retrospective case series analysis of @entity2613 @entity1 presenting with acute @entity712 in imminent need of endotracheal intubation (ETI) managed with a bi-level PAP system. The bi-level PAP system was applied at the discretion of the treating emergency physician. Management of the bi-level PAP system, including setting of inspiratory PAP (IPAP) and expiratory PAP (EPAP), weaning, adjunct pharmacologic therapy, and failure of bi-level PAP support, was determined by the treating physician. RESULTS: Only two (9%) of 22 @entity1 presentations necessitated ETI. The mean duration of bi-level PAP therapy was 7.9 hours. The mean maximum IPAP and EPAP settings were 10.8 and 5.8 cm @entity2507 , respectively. Mean intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was 2.4 days, with a median LOS of only 1 day. There were three deaths in the series; none were attributed to the bi-level PAP system. No technical difficulty with the bi-level PAP system was noted. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive pressure support ventilation with a bi-level PAP support system may avert ETI in acute @entity712 @entity1 . This device can be effectively used by @entity2613 personnel.
