Mortality in acute non‐invasive ventilation

A prospective study of non‐invasive ventilation at The Prince Charles Hospital outside of the intensive care unit from March 2015 to March 2016 was performed. Overall 69 patients were included. Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure was the most common indication ( n = 59; 85%). 49 (71%) had multifactorial respiratory failure. 15 (22%) patients died. Premorbid inability to perform self‐care ( P = 0.001) and the combination of mean pH < 7.25 and mean PaCO 2 ≥ 75 mmHg within 2 h of NIV initiation ( P = 0.037) were significantly associated with mortality. There was a non‐significant association between older age and mortality.