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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(5): 634-646
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1265903
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Respiratory Failure in the Elderly Patient

Jean-François Muir1 , 2 , Bouchra Lamia1 , 2 , Carlos Molano1 , 2 , Antoine Cuvelier1 , 2
  • 1Respiratory Diseases Department, UPRES EA 3830 (Groupe de Recherche sur le Handicap Ventilatoire), Rouen University Hospital, Rouen CEDEX, France
  • 2Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, UPRES EA 3830 (Groupe de Recherche sur le Handicap Ventilatoire), Rouen University Hospital, Rouen CEDEX, France
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 October 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Respiratory failure frequently complicates the care of elderly patients with or without chronic lung disease. Recent advances in techniques and applications of noninvasive ventilation provide an exceedingly useful means of managing respiratory compromise, and the clinical utilization of noninvasive mechanical ventilation has transformed the prognosis of acute and chronic respiratory failure in this age group. The majority of elderly patients can recover from an acute respiratory failure episode if adequate support is provided, although some may require long-term ventilatory assistance. Such assistance may be provided in the home setting if an adequate support system is available. As the size of the elderly population grows, an increased number of elderly patients with multifactorial respiratory failure will undoubtedly require episodic or sustained ventilatory assistance, and noninvasive ventilation can be provided for various forms of acute and chronic respiratory failure, including advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, other parenchymal lung disease, and chest wall deformities. Health care organizations must incorporate long-term care facilities with ventilatory support capabilities into their health management strategies.

KEYWORDS

Chronic respiratory failure - acute respiratory failure - noninvasive mechanical ventilation - elderly patients

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Jean-François MuirM.D. Ph.D. 

Respiratory Diseases Department and Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, UPRES EA 3830 (Groupe de Recherche sur le Handicap Ventilatoire)

IFRMP 23, Rouen University Hospital, 76031 Rouen CEDEX, France

Email: Jean-Francois.Muir@chu-rouen.fr

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