Novel modes of non-invasive ventilation in chronic respiratory failure: a narrative review

Volume assured pressure support mode use for non-invasive ventilation in pediatrics

There has been increasing interest in utilizing volume assured pressure support (VAPS) modes of ventilation for children, which historically had only been favored in adult populations. In addition to patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome, newer pediatric populations for which it has recently been prescribed include congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and children with neuromuscular disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Given its expanding use in pediatrics, greater familiarity with VAPS is essential for pediatric pulmonologists and sleep physicians. This review article will highlight methods of initiation for this mode, specific ventilator settings, discussion of suitable pediatric patient populations, ventilator titrations via formal polysomnograms and detailed ventilator data downloads specific interpretation. Finally, common challenges to be aware of and how to troubleshoot relevant machine alarms will be reviewed.

Comparing effectiveness of intelligent volume-assured pressure support (iVAPS) vs bi-level positive airway pressure spontaneous/timed (BPAP S/T) for hypercapnic respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Intelligent volume-assured pressure support (iVAPS) is a relatively new hybrid mode of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). There is still limited evidence for iVAPS. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of iVAPS to that of bi-level positive airway pressure spontaneous/timed (BPAP S/T) in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure or acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in the emergency department.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective study. Eighty-two patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by AECOPD, who were admitted to our emergency department, were analysed. Arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, length of hospital stay and rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission were compared between iVAPS and BPAP S/T.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients (26 females, 56 males, mean age 68.26 ± 11.63 years) who were treated with iVAPS (N = 26) or BPAP S/T (N = 56) were enrolled. There were no significant differences between two modes with respect to demographics such as age, gender, presence of comorbidity, usage of long-term oxygen therapy or NIV, and the baseline ABG parameters. The presence of pneumonia was significantly higher in BPAP S/T (P = .01). The rate of ICU admission was 26.9% in iVAPS vs 25% in BPAP S/T. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.5 ± 12.3 days in iVAPS and 9.7 ± 7.4 days in BPAP S/T (P = .53). The mean values of ABG parameters at the 1st and 24th hours of NIV therapy did not differ in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both modes were similarly effective in the management of appropriately selected patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by AECOPD. Hence, we underline that NIV mode selection in the emergency department should be performed in line with experiences of clinicians/institutions and accessibility of ventilator devices/modes.