[Non-invasive home ventilation in patients with severe hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The SOMNOVENT' study].

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Following a prolonged debate, the indication and benefits of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) have been recently established. Although improved ventilation and reduction in hyperinflation appear to underlie the positive effect on NIV in COPD, only a few studies have focused on specific ventilatory algorithms for improving PaCO2.

METHODS: The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of Löwenstein's ventilatory algorithms, supposed to allow a better management of hyperinflation and its consequences on alveolar ventilation and blood gas parameters. This is an interventional study in routine care, prospective, single blind, randomized with cross over. The primary endpoint will be the transcutaneous partial pressure of nocturnal carbon dioxide. Secondary endpoints will be: abnormal respiratory events occurring during nocturnal NIV; the objective quality of sleep via polysomnography; the tolerance of ventilation and the subjective quality of sleep evaluated by auto questionnaires.

EXPECTED RESULTS: The results of this study will clarify whether is it necessary to explore more the impact of the ventilatory modes developed by Löwenstein, dedicated to hypercapnic COPD patients, requiring a long-term NIV.