Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in patients with respiratory failure due to severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) who require mechanical ventilation have high morbidity and mortality rates. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) delivered through a mask has become increasingly popular for the treatment of acute respiratory failure (ARF) and may limit some mechanical ventilation complications.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate our clinical experience with the use of NPPV in AP patients with ARF.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2003, we documented clinical data, gas exchange and outcome of the 62 AP patients admitted to our intensive care unit. Patients who benefited from NPPV (success) were compared with those who failed (intubated).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were intubated at admission and 5 did not develop ARF. Of the 28 patients treated with NPPV, 15 were not intubated (54%). Both groups had a similar PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio (142 +/- 21 vs. 133 +/- 20; p = 0.127) and severity of illness (Ranson and Balthazar scores). Presence of atelectasis, bilateral alveolar infiltrates and abdominal distension were associated with failure of NPPV. Oxygenation improved and respiratory rate decreased significantly only in the success group. Additionally, the length of stay at the intensive care unit was significantly lower in the success group.

CONCLUSION

NPPV is feasible and safe to treat ARF in selected patients with AP who require ventilatory support.