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Minerva Pneumologica 2005 September;44(3):103-22

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Transplantation and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Criner G. J., Patel N.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) and lung transplantation both have important places in the management of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refractory to medical treatment. Over the past decade, NPPV has taken a central role in the treatment of patients that present with acute respiratory failure complicating COPD exacerbation. COPD provokes a marked reduction in quality of life, secondary to severe airflow obstruction, hyperinflation, and limited exercise tolerance. Lung transplantation is a surgical option for patients who fail optimization of medical treatment for the severe symptoms that result from COPD. This review will discuss the current roles, indications, contraindications, and efficacy of the above 2 treatments in the appropriate COPD patient sub-groups.