Annals of Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the use of non-invasive positive
pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has increased in many
ICUs around the world (1). According to a study conducted
in French, the use of non-invasive ventilation during 1994
to 2001 increased from 20 to 90% (2). The result of serial
survey from more than 40 countries indicated that the
overall use of NIPPV increased from 4.4% in 1998 to 14% in
2010 (3, 4).
NIPPV is used in wide variety conditions. It is a wellrecognized
approach in the management of acute respiratory
failure, acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), hypoxemic respiratory failure,
community-acquired pneumonia, cardiogenic pulmonary
edema, and after solid organ transplants (5). It is also considered
as the most effective treatment available for motor
neuron disease when respiratory symptoms appear (6).
Non-invasive ventilation is a well-known strategy to
avoid endotracheal intubation and its complications (7).
Endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients is accompaniedbyhigh
riskandlife threatening complications
such as severe hypoxemia and hypotension, even in intensive
care units (8). NIPPV reduces endotracheal intubation
rate, mortality, and length of stay in the intensive care unit
and it is a life-saving intervention (9-11).