Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Sequelae

Background The efficacy of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae has not been fully studied. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 58 patients with acute exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae who were admitted to Tosei General Hospital and treated with NIV over a 9-year period. Results The 58 patients (mean age: 76.2 +/- 8.0) consisted of 39 males and 19 females. Arterial blood gas analysis on admission showed a mean pH of 7.28 +/- 0.07 and a mean PaCO2 of 72.6 +/- 14.2 mmHg. After the start of NIV, significant improvement occurred in pH, to 7.32 +/- 0.06 after 2 h and 7.36 +/- 0.06 after 24 h, and in PaCO2, to 66.4 +/- 11.2 mmHg after 2 h and 61.6 +/- 11.3 mmHg after 24 h. The success rate in weaning from NIV was 86.2%. There were statistically significant differences in pH, body mass index (BMI), blood leukocyte count and serum potassium between patients successfully and unsuccessfully weaned from NIV. Conclusion We conclude that patients with acute exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae can be treated successfully with NIV. Lower pH, BMI, and serum potassium, and higher blood leukocyte count are related to NIV failure.