Effects of early pulmonary rehabilitation for AECOPD patients with respiratory failure

Objective To explore the effects of early pulmonary rehabilitation for AECOPD patients with respiratory failure using mechanical ventilation. Methods A total of 42 AECOPD patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation in ICU from December 2013 to July 2015 were randomly divided into rehabilitation group and control group.The patients of the control group received routine care and nursing.While the patients of the rehabilitation group received pulmonary rehabilitation under the mechanical ventilation on the basis of the control group.The MIP, CPIS score, left and right hand grip strength of the two groups at the same time periods at the 1st, 7th and 14th day under the mechanical ventilation treatment were compared.The mechanical ventilation time, time in ICU and hospitalization costs of the two groups were observed and recored. Results There was no obvious difference in therms of the MIP, CPIS score, grip strength of left and right hand at the same time period at the 1st day under mechanical ventilation between the two groups(P>0.05) . The MIP, grip strength of left and right hand of rehabilitation group at the 7th and 14th day after early pulmonary rehabilitation were better improved (P 0.05). There were significant differences in terms of the mechanical ventilation time, time in ICU and hospitalization costs between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that early pulmonary rehabilitation for AECOPD patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation is safe and feasible.The pulmonary rehabilitation can maintain and increase the patients' grip strength, shorten the time of mechanical ventilation and reduce hospitalization costs. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Respiratory failure; Pulmonary rehabilitation