Table 2

Criteria for discontinuation of noninvasive ventilation and endotracheal intubation

Mask intolerance (discomfort or claustrophobia)

Inability to improve gas exchanges and dyspnea

Hemodynamic instability or evidence of cardiac ischemia or ventricular dysarrhythmia

Need for urgent endotracheal intubation (because of inadequate management of secretions and protection of the airways)

Failure to improve mental status, within 30 min after the application of noninvasive ventilation, in agitated hypoxemic patients

Antonelli et al. Critical Care 2005 9:98   doi:10.1186/cc2933