LAUSR

Introduction: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) significantly improves survival and quality of life in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. However, the proportion of patients with chronic hypercapnia is unknown. Aim: The HOmeVent registry aims to determine the prevalence of chronic hypercapnic COPD patients in an outpatient setting. Methods: A multicentre, prospective, observational, non-interventional medical device registry was developed for COPD patients in GOLD stage 3 or 4. Participants were identified and enrolled in an outpatient setting during routine visits for COPD. The registry was approved by all local ethic committees and patients provided written informed consent. Results: 8 outpatient clinics were enrolled. To date, 109 COPD patients have been included (63.4% male; mean age 67.7±8.9 years; mean body mass index 25.4±5.2; 53.2% and 46.8% in GOLD stage 3 and 4, respectively). PaCO2 was ≥45 mmHg in 31 patients (28.4%); of these, 20 (18.3%), 6 (5.5%) and 5 (4.6%) had PaCO2 Conclusion: A high proportion of COPD patients in GOLD stage 3 and 4 exhibit chronic hypercapnia and might therefore be candidates for NIV treatment.