ANSWER 1

1. True. Numerous studies have demonstrated that non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves symptoms, physiological measurements and reduces intubation rates when compared with standard therapy alone.1^–4

2. False. The 3CPO trial failed to demonstrate a survival benefit.5 These findings are quite different from a meta-analysis published in 2005,6 which suggested a nearly 50% reduction in mortality with NIV compared with controls. However, all but two of the studies enrolled less than 100 patients. The 3CPO study enrolled …