Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) plus usual care v usual care alone for respiratory failure precipitated by an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease*

Outcomes at 7.6–35 daysNumber of trials (n)Weighted event ratesRRR (95% CI)NNT (CI)
NPPV plus usual careUsual care alone
*Treatment failure  =  a composite of all cause mortality, endotracheal intubation, and intolerance to the allocated treatment. Other abbreviations defined in glossary; weighted event rates, RRR, and CI calculated from data in article using a fixed effects model.
Treatment failure8 (541)19.7%41.7%52% (37 to 63)5 (4 to 7)
All cause mortality10 (622)10.8%20.8%48% (24 to 65)10 (7 to 25)
Endotracheal intubation14 (758)16.5%40.5%59% (47 to 67)5 (4 to 6)