Respiratory Distress from Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Resolves More Quickly with NIPSV Than CPAP

Although both noninvasive pressure support ventilation (NIPSV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are effective treatments for cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE), which technique is superior is unknown. Researchers compared the two therapeutic options in a prospective, randomized study of 192 patients with CPE without known chronic lung disease who presented to four emergency departments in Tunisia. CPAP or NIPSV was administered for up to 6 hours. Patients in both groups received standard treatment, including intravenous nitrates and furosemide, and digoxin for those with rapid atrial fibrillation.

The primary outcome — combined rates of intubation and hospital death — did not differ significantly between the NIPSV and CPAP group…