Pulse amplitude ratio under noninvasive ventilation as a new method in the diagnosis of left heart failure in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Left heart failure (LHF) is commonly associated with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) but its role is often underestimated. Aim of study To evaluate the performance of a new diagnostic technique based on the measurement of the pulse amplitude ratio (PAR) using non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for the early identification LHF in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for AECOPD. Results 73 patients were included in this study: 32 in LHF group and 41 in non LHF- group. The two groups had comparable demographic and clinical characteristics at admission. The mean values of PARNIV was significantly higher among LHF patients (0.86 vs. 0.71; p