Non-invasive ventilation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure unrelated to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Background and objectives: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used for patients presenting with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), however although studies have demonstrated clear benefit in patients with COPD there is little evidence to guide treatment for AHRF unrelated to COPD, particularly outside of the critical care unit. The current survey reports the use of NIV, predominantly delivered in a dedicated NIV unit, in patients with AHRF unrelated to COPD.