Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Current literature was searched by using the MEDLINE database to find consistent evidence regarding the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. 18 studies demonstrating that noninvasive ventilation applied by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel-PAP) is safe, and that the two approaches have similar effects and are effective in preventing endotracheal intubation in patients with respiratory distress of cardiac origin, were found. The results support the concept that positive intrathoracic positive pressure must be seen as a nonpharmacological form of treatment of acute pulmonary edema rather than only a supportive measure.