The results of the first arterial blood gas test following noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) initiation may not be accurate predictors of NPPV failure

Abstract

ABG test (pH, PaCO2, P/F ratio) showed no difference between the two groups. Duration of NPPV was similar between the two groups but length of ICU stay was longer (P<0.01) and ICU mortality was higher (P<0.01) in the failure group when compared with the success group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the results of the first ABG test following NPPV initiation may not be accurate predictors of NPPV failure.