Steriade AT, et al. - In this prospective cohort study conducted between 2016 and 2017, researchers determined predictors of the outcome of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). They also investigated the factors that affect ventilator settings and duration. Overall, 89 patients (mean age of 67.6 years) with AECOPD who required NIV were included. Findings revealed the correlation of NIV failure with days of NIV, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and kidney dysfunction. A strong link of in-hospital mortality with days of NIV and with forced expiratory volume over 1 s was also evident. LOS was independently predicted by hours of NIV during the first 72 hours and days of NIV. They found no impact of body mass index (BMI), left heart dysfunction, age, arterial blood gas values in the first 6 hours of NIV on in-hospital mortality and NIV failure. Prolonged use of NIV was needed in those with severe acidosis and left heart dysfunction. Irrespective of lung function, the NIV settings in AECOPD were influenced by BMI and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide levels.