[Factors predicting the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)].

Introduction: the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) constitutes a negative turning point in the progression of the disease. The purpose of this study is to determine factors predicting the need for IMV in AECOPD.

Methods: we conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients with AECOPD hospitalized in our Department over a 18-year period (2000-2017). We compared 2 groups: G1: patients with AECOPD undergoing at least one IMV and G2: patients who had never undergone IMV following AECOPD.

Results: the study included 1152 patients with COPD: 133 in the G1 group (11.5%), and 1019 in the G2 group (88.5%). G1 patients were more symptomatic (p < 0.001), with more severe bronchial obstruction (p < 0.001). G1 patients had more exacerbations (p < 0.001), more hospitalizations and a higher need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) (p < 0.001). Similarly, G1 patients more often developed chronic respiratory failure (p < 0.001) and had significantly lower survival rates. Independent risk factors associated with IMV were hypercapnia and decreased pH (in patients with severe AECOPD), a history of NIV, and chronic respiratory failure (CRF).

Conclusion: respiratory function impairment, the severity of exacerbation and the need for NIV in a previous episode are factors predicting the need for IMV and poor outcomes.