[Mechanical ventilation in acute decompensation in chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy].

Acute respiratory failure in chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is characterized by abnormal gas exchange and respiratory muscle fatigue; mechanical ventilation would appear to be particularly well suited to the management of COPD patients, because the respirator is a reliable oxygenator and a mechanical power supplier. However, many clinicians are reluctant to prescribe this therapy. The author discusses the indications and practical use of mechanical ventilation in COPD patients. Data are presented which show no correlation between the duration of mechanical ventilation, the age of the patients and pulmonary function tests. During acute respiratory failure, COPD patients require active management in an intensive care unit.