NIV for COPD: Hospital to Home

The use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been extensively evaluated in both patients with stable disease in the home setting and in AECOPD during hospitalization. It is widely accepted that NIV used during AECOPD in the inpatient setting reduces rates of endotracheal intubation, as well as length of ICU and hospital stay. Long-term use of NIV, particularly at higher pressures, in the home setting in COPD patients with evidence of chronic compensated respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 \>45mmHg) decreases elevated PaCo2 and serum bicarbonate levels, improves pulmonary function, and improves quality of life. Little is known about whether patients initiated on NIV during an AECOPD and subsequently transitioned to long-term home NIV on discharge demonstrate reduced AECOPD rates, readmission rates, or differences in morbidity and mortality.