Using non-invasive ventilation before hospital for COPD flare-ups

Prehospital Use of Non-invasive Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure Due to Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Not applicable Interventional Central Denmark Region · NCT06211920

This study is testing if using a breathing machine before going to the hospital can help people with COPD flare-ups breathe better and feel improved when they arrive at the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentral Denmark Region Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aarhus N, Central Denmark Region)
Trial IDNCT06211920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of prehospital non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for patients experiencing acute respiratory failure due to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study will compare the outcomes of patients receiving NIV alongside standard medical treatment to those receiving standard treatment alone. Key measurements will include arterial blood gas levels, particularly pH, upon hospital arrival. The trial seeks to determine if early intervention with NIV can improve patient outcomes in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a history of COPD who are experiencing acute respiratory failure.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cardiac arrest, or those requiring intubation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved respiratory function and better outcomes for patients with acute COPD exacerbations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with non-invasive ventilation in similar acute settings, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age greater than or equal to 18 years.
2. Medical history of COPD.
3. Unable to give informed consent ("Inhabil" in Danish) based on the criteria below
4. Respiratory acidosis with a PaCO2 of \> 6,0 kPa and a pH of \< 7,30.

   And one of the following:
5. Respiratory rate of \> 25 per minute.
6. Hypoxia with a PaO2 \< 7 kPa and/or a saturation \< 88% without oxygen administered.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage or vomiting.
2. Anatomical abnormality that precludes the use of an oro-nasal interface.
3. Suspicion of pneumothorax.
4. Cardiac or respiratory arrest.
5. Uncontrollable malignant arrhythmia.
6. Refractory shock (systolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg) despite fluids and/or vasoactive drugs given.
7. Required orotracheal intubation.
8. Suspected upper airway obstruction.
9. No indication for life-prolonging treatment with NIV.

Where this trial is running

Aarhus N, Central Denmark Region

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COPD ExacerbationCOPD Exacerbation AcuteNoninvasive VentilationEmergency Medical Services
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.