Usefulness of P in the Follow-Up of Individuals With Air Trapping and Home Noninvasive Ventilation and CPAP.

Background: The ventilatory mechanics of patients with COPD and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) are changed when there is air trapping and auto-PEEP, which increase respiratory effort. P measures the ventilatory drive and, indirectly, respiratory effort. The aim of the study was to measure P in subjects with COPD or OHS on treatment with positive pressure and to analyze their changes in P after treatment.