In acute exacerbations of COPD, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is initiated when: (A) Paco2 >45 mmHg, (B) PaO2 <80 mmHg, (C) FEV1 <30, (D) FEV1/FVC <0.7
Answer is A. In acute exacerbations of COPD, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is initiated in patients with respiratory failure, which is defined as Paco2 > 45 mmHg, This results in a significant reduction in moality rate, need for intubation, complications of therapy, and hospital length of stay.Ref: Harrison 19e pg: 1707