RESUMO
This study was carried out 96 COPD patients with acute respiratory failure who were mechanically ventilated at the respiratory intensive care unit. The subjects were divided into two main groups. Group 1 included 51 patients who were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilator [i.e. survivors]. Group 2 was composed of 45 patients who died during mechanical ventilation [i.e. deceased]. Serial measurements of arterial blood gases and respiratory system compliance were obtained for all patients while being mechanically ventilated. After weaning from mechanical ventilation, pulmonary compliance and airway resistance were measured. The results were mentioned in details. Since it is difficult to predict from the clinical and the available functional assessments, which patient with acute respiratory failure complicating COPD will improve on mechanical ventilation, it is desirable to have certain parameters that can predict weaning outcome. The routine use of compliance in monitoring those patients whose clinical condition is critical or unstable is highly recommended