Table 5

Complications observed during the study

NPPV (n = 28)

IMV (n = 37)

P value

Complications, number (percentage)

8 (28.6%)

28 (75.7%)

< 0.001

Type of complication, number (percentage)

Pneumonia

1 (3.6%)

17 (45.9%)

< 0.001

Sepsis

2 (7.1%)

7 (18.9%)

0.28

Congestive heart failure

6 (21.4 %)

12 (32.4%)

0.41

Tracheotomy

0 (0%)

7 (18.9%)

0.01

Return to IMV

6 (21.4%)

-

Skin necrosis

1 (3.6%)

-

Values are mean ± standard deviation or number (percentage). P value indicates comparison between groups using chi-square test. IMV, invasive mechanical ventilation; NPPV, noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Trevisan et al. Critical Care 2008 12:R51   doi:10.1186/cc6870