ABSTRACT
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), while specifically pro viding ventilatory support by means of a mask interface, has been proposed for use in CRF patients with progressive worsening of general and respiratory status. In contrast to the strong evidence for the use of NIV (especially if performed by means of intermittent positive pressure ventilation [IPPV]) to treat acute exacerbations of COPD,3 several short-and long-term studies provided inconsistent and controversial results in severe but stable patients.4 Notwithstanding, domiciliary NIV represents the most common indication in COPD across Europe.5
