RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Systemic corticosteroids doses in COPD exacerbations treated with non-invasive ventilation JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP PA2177 DO 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA2177 VO 48 IS suppl 60 A1 Rodriguez Melean, Nestor A1 Lopez Padilla, Daniel A1 Valenzuela Reyes, Perla A1 Banderas Montalvo, Maria Emilia A1 Lopez Yepes, Luis A1 Hernandez Both, Ana A1 Sayas Catalan, Javier YR 2016 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA2177.abstract AB Objective: Determine the effect of the first corticosteroid dose on success of Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in COPD exacerbationsMethods: Observational, retrospective study. January-2013/June-2015. Patients with ≥ 1,5 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone in the first 24 hours, were compared to those treated with lower doses. Baseline characteristics, pulmonary function, obstructive sleep apnea, and arterial blood gases (ABG) at admission/discharge were retrieved. NIV failure (No pH correction in 72 hours, need of invasive ventilation, or death). Adverse effects were collected. Quantitative variables with normal distribution (t-student), with non normal distribution (Kruskal-Wallis). Qualitative variables (Chi-square - Fisher exact correction)Results: 85 COPD patients with exacerbation, in need of NIV. 70 men (82%), mean age 68.6 ± 11.4 years. Mean dose of methylprednisolone 1.67 ± 0.82 mg/kg/first day, 43 patients (51%) were treated with < 1,5 mg/kg/day. There was a significant increase of pH (7.26 vs. 7.41; p=0.001) and decrease of pCO2 (86.8 vs. 61.5; p=0.001) between admission and at discharge. NIV failure was observed in 18 patients (21%) Conclusions: No differences on NIV success according to methylprednisolone doses. Doses ³ 1,5 mg/kg/day were used in patients with worst ABG at admission, with a slower pH correction, but with a reduced number of days of admission. No differences in adverse effects were observed.