Respiratory Failure, Noninvasive Ventilation, and Symptom Burden: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a standard treatment for acute respiratory failure in cardiorespiratory disease.
• Understanding the patient experience, particularly symptom burden, is crucial for optimizing NIV therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the spectrum and severity of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by patients receiving NIV for hypercapnic respiratory failure.
• To identify the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 50 patients receiving NIV for hypercapnic respiratory failure were assessed.
• The 14-item Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was utilized.
• Additional assessments included breathlessness (Borg score), pain (numerical rating scale), cough, sputum, gastric bloating, and dry eyes.

Main Results:

• Patients reported a median of 10 symptoms, with a median of 5 rated as severe.
• Breathlessness was the most prevalent and distressing symptom (mean max Borg score 7.55).
• Other prevalent symptoms included dry mouth, fatigue, cough, sputum, sleep difficulties, and psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Patients treated with NIV for acute respiratory failure experience significant symptom burden.
• Targeting symptom relief alongside respiratory support can enhance patient care.
• Further research into specific symptom management strategies for NIV patients is warranted.