and objectives: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used for patients presenting with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), however although studies have demonstrated clear benefit in patients with COPD there is little evidence to guide treatment for AHRF unrelated to COPD, particularly outside of the critical care unit. The current survey reports the use of NIV, predominantly delivered in a dedicated NIV unit, in patients with AHRF unrelated to COPD. Methods: Patients were

more »

... cluded in this retrospective cohort survey if they had AHRF (pre-NIV pH<7.35 and PaCO 2 >6.0 kPa) unrelated to COPD and were managed with NIV. The primary outcome measure was survival to discharge with secondary outcomes of survival to 30, 90 and 365 days.