Abstract
Introduction: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is standard of care for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Use of NIV has increased over the past years. However, little is known regarding the use of NIV on a long-term basis in the very old.
Methods: Cross-sectional observational study, including all subjects under NIV followed between 2016 and 2018 by structures involved in NIV in the Cantons of Geneva and Vaud (1'288'378 inhabitants). Comparisons were performed between patients ≥75 and <75 years old regarding anthropometric data, diagnoses, comorbidities, impact on arterial blood gases (ABG) and nocturnal pulse oximetry (NPO), technical aspects of NIV and compliance.
Results: 151 patients aged ≥75 were under NIV (out of 489). Patients aged ≥75, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was more frequent and neuromuscular diseases (NMD) less frequent. Male gender and number of comorbidities were more frequent in older subjects. Correction of ABG and NPO was similar in both groups. Use of bi-level positive pressure ventilators in a spontaneous/timed mode was the most frequent modality of NIV in both groups. No significant difference was noted in pressure settings, back-up respiratory rate, residual respiratory events or compliance. Leaks were more frequent in older subjects. Choice of interfaces was similar and use of supplemental oxygen was more frequent in the older group.
Conclusions: One third of the population under NIV is ≥75 years old with a higher proportion of COPD in the older group, and a lower representation of NMD. Indices of efficacy of NIV (daytime ABG, NPO, residual respiratory events) and compliance were similar in both groups. Leaks were more frequent in older subjects.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 1820.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020