Non-invasive ventilation is helpful in early weaning and early extubation in H1N1 infected, ventilated patients: a case series

ABSTRACT

The spread of 2009 pandemic of H1N1 increased the number of patients being admitted to intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure. Conservative approach in extubation in view of severe lung injury leads to prolonged mechanical ventilation and is further complicated by development of superadded bacterial infections. In a developing country with a large population and limited health care resources all attempts need to be made to decrease hospital stay. We present a case series of four patients, confirmed to have H1N1 associated respiratory involvement and who were put on non invasive ventilation [NIV] early in the phase of weaning. The weaning and early extubation was successful in all of these patients. We conclude that NIV in post extubation period facilitates weaning and early extubation in patients with H1N1 viral pneumonia, who were on mechanical ventilation