Effect of Oxygen Therapy by Venturi Mask Versus Noninvasive Ventilation and Its Outcome in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: A chronic progressive airway disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by respiratory restriction that is neither completely reversible nor permanent. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with oxygen therapy using a Venturi mask in treating patients with acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) Methods: A prospective randomized clinical study included (70) who developed hypoxia due to AECOPD and conducted in ICU department at Benha University Hospitals. The patients were divided into 2 equal groups: Group (I) were received NIV. Group (II) were received oxygen by Venturi mask. Results: At pre-therapeutic (P<0.001), the pH of group II (NIV group) was significantly lower than that of group I (Venturi group). In contrast, the pH of group II was significantly higher than that of group I at 1 hour and post-therapeutic (P<0.05). At 1 hour, the pre-therapeutic partial pressure of PCO2 was significantly higher in group II than in group I (P<0.05). At all time points (pre-therapeutic, 1 hour, and post-therapeutic), HCO3 levels were significantly higher in group II than in group I (P<0.05). At all-time points (pre-therapeutic, 1 hour, and post-therapeutic), SPO2 was significantly lower in group II than in group I (P<0.05). Group II demonstrated a significantly lower pre-therapeutic PaO2 than group I (P<0.001).Conclusion: In patients with AECOPD complicated by hypoxemia, NIV improves arterial blood gas parameters more effectively than oxygen therapy via Venturi mask. Blood gas values and general clinical status improved more significantly in patients who got NIV.