Effect of Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation and Long-term Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Stable COPD

Objective:To determine the 1-year efficacy of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation(NIPPV) added to long-term oxygen therapy(LTOT) in patients with stable COPD.Methods:Thirty-six patients with stable COPD were randomized into either NIPPV plus standard care group(15 patients) or standard care group(21 patients).The outcomes measured included the rate of acute COPD exacerbations and hospital admissions.The patients were also evaluated at 6 month and 12 month for gas exchange,symptoms and signs.Results: The frequencies of exacerbations and hospital admissions were decreased at 12 month in the NIPPV group(P0.05).PaCO2 was decreased and blood pH was improved after 6 months in the patients receiving NIPPV plus long-term oxygen therapy(P0.01);and at 6,12 month in patients using NIPPV,compared with long-term oxygen therapy subjects,PaCO2,PaO2,and blood pH were all obviously improved.Conclusion:NIPPV plus long-term oxygen therapy could decrease exacerbations and hospital admissions in outpatients with COPD who were in stable condition.This therapy may benefit blood gas tensions and life quality in these patients.