Domiciliary Non-Invasive Ventilation in COPD Patients: Reducing the number of exacerbations and improving Outcomes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Domiciliary Non-Invasive Ventilation (DNIV) has emerged as a potential intervention to mitigate exacerbations and reduce hospital admissions in COPD patients. This study aims to highlight the benefits of DNIV in terms of exacerbation frequency and hospitalizations. <bold>Methods:</bold> A retrospective comparative study (2019 to 2023) was conducted on COPD patients recruited from pulmonary department D, Abderrahmen Mami Hospital. Those who had DNIV set up were identified. Clinical data including the severity of COPD, aerometric measurements was collected. Patient records were used to assess the number of exacerbations and hospitalisations per year. Results : One hundred and twelve patients with a mean age of 68±9.7 years were enrolled, of whom 85.7% were males. Patients under DNIV represented 16.1%. COPD patients receiving DNIV demonstrated a lower incidence of exacerbations compared to those managed without it (17 VS 92 ; p<0.01). Hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) was significantly associated to the non use of DNIV(P=0.02). There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding the total number of hospitalization within the last year, as well as the severity of exacerbations. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Domiciliary non invasive ventilation(DNIV) demonstrates clear benefits over COPD management without DNIV, leading to fewer exacerbations and less ICU admissions.