Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Non-invasive ventilation for cystic fibrosis
Fidelma Moran1, Judy M Bradley2, Amanda J Piper3
1Institute of Nursing and Health Research and School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK, BT37 0QB.
Non-invasive ventilation may aid airway clearance and improve gas exchange in cystic fibrosis patients. However, its long-term effects on disease progression require further investigation through robust clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Cystic Fibrosis Research
Background:
- Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) offers ventilatory support to slow respiratory failure progression in cystic fibrosis (CF) without tracheal intubation.
- NIV enhances lung mechanics by increasing airflow, improving gas exchange, and reducing the work of breathing, acting as an external respiratory muscle.
- This review is an update on the use of NIV in CF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation versus no non-invasive ventilation in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
- To evaluate NIV's effects on airway clearance, sleep, and exercise performance in CF patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
- Searches included the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register and other relevant databases.
- Ten RCTs involving 191 participants were included, assessing NIV for airway clearance, overnight support, or exercise.
Main Results:
- Six trials (151 participants) on airway clearance suggested NIV may facilitate clearance and be preferred by patients, improving some lung function parameters.
- Three trials (27 participants) on overnight ventilatory support showed no clear differences compared to oxygen/room air, except for improved exercise performance over six weeks.
- One trial on exercise capacity found no clear differences; adverse effects were reported in three trials, including discomfort and mask intolerance.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive ventilation may serve as a beneficial adjunct for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis patients, especially those with sputum expectoration difficulties.
- NIV, combined with oxygen, might enhance gas exchange during sleep in moderate to severe CF disease.
- The impact of NIV on exercise remains unclear, and long-term effects on exacerbations and disease progression require further adequately powered RCTs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...

