CHANGES IN ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES AND RESPIRATORY RATE BEFORE AND AFTER NON INVASIVE POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF COPD

Abstract

Objectives:To compare Respiratory Rate, pH, pCO2 before and after NonInvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Acute Exacerbation of COPDDesign of study:An Interventional study (Quasi Experimental)Place and duration of study:Pulmonology department of Post Graduate Medical Institute LadyReading Hospital Peshawar, from Oct. 2003 to Oct, 2004.Material and methods:Fifty patients were recruited in the study. The patients were clinicallyassessed and relevant investigations done before starting on NIPPV. Theparameters i.e. respiratory rate, pH and PCO2 were regularly monitored.The NIPPV was given for at least 6-8 hours in the first 24 hours. It wascontinued longer according to the patient response and tolerance. Clinicalsigns and arterial blood gases level were checked 6-8 hours after start ofNIPPV.Results:The mean respiratory rate decreased from 24-16+ 3.47 per minuteto 17.40+ 3.14 per minute (P <0.0001). There was significant improvementin pH from 7.28+ 4.39 to 7.35+8.28. (P <0.0001), and reduction in pCO2from 63.750+ 10.01 mmHg to 56.22+11.40 mmHg, (P <0.0001).Conclusion:There were remarkable improvement in pH, PCO2 and respiratoryrate after Non-Invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). NIPPV is aeffective, simple and affordable addition to the treatment of life threateningchronic obstructive pulmonary disease.