[Long-term course following respiratory decompensation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

The probability of respiratory decompensation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease correlates with the severity of the ventilatory impairment. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is an easily measurable parameter to quantify bronchial obstruction and predicts long-term outcome. Patients who need to be ventilated because of respiratory decompensation belong to a prognostically unfavourable group. This overview discusses the indications for artificial ventilation as well as measures which evidently or possibly may improve the quality and duration of life in these patients.