Clinical observation on treatment of severe acute left heart failure with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

Objective To observe the efficiency of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation(NPPV)in the treatment of patients with severe acute left heart failure. Methods The clinical data of 61 patients with acute left heart failure from January, 2006 to May, 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. In addition to conventional treatment,33 patients accepted NPPV by a face mask connected to a ventilation set in pressure support ventilation(PSV)and positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP).The change of clinical symptoms, respiratory rate(RR),heat rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),arterial blood gas (pH,PaO2,PaCO2,SpO2) of two groups at admission and at 2 hours,1 day after NPPV were compared. Results After NPPV,the clinical symptoms had been improved significantly. All the clinical parameters showed a statistical differences(P all0.05)compared with those before NPPV and the routine treatment(RT) group. The mortality was remarkably lower in the NPPV group(9.09%)than that in the RT group(28.57%)(P0.05). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the NPPV group than that in the RT group(P0.05).Conclusion NPPV can improve symptoms and hypoxemia in patients with the severe acute left heart failure rapidly. It is a safe and effective method in treating the severe acute left heart failure.