LAUSR

Background: Approaches to treat dyspnea in DNI patients include NIV, CPAP, and supplemental oxygen (SO). Limited data are available on physiological and subjective responses to each strategy. Aim: To assess the use, physiological effects of NIV/CPAP and to monitor subjects’ perspectives in comparison to oxygen. Methods: 124 consecutive dyspneic patients with DNI order admitted at the 3 study sites had physiological and subjective variables recorded once daily (up to 5 days). Results: 84 subjects received SO and 40 were started on NIV/CPAP. Baseline demographics, physiological variables, blood gases and comorbidities were similar, except for COPD, more common in the NIV/CPAP group (63% vs 43%, p Conclusion: Dyspnea and comfort are similar on NIV and SO. However, NIV was associated with lower SpO2, more side effects and longer hospital stay. These results raise significant concern on whether NIV is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients with a DNI order.