Non-Invasive Ventilation: When, Where, How to Start, and How to Stop

Abstract

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a cornerstone in the management of acute and chronic respiratory failure, offering critical support without the risks of intubation. However, successful weaning from NIV remains a complex, high-stakes process. Poorly timed or improperly executed weaning significantly increases morbidity and mortality, yet current clinical practice often relies on subjective judgment rather than evidence-based protocols. This manuscript reviews the current landscape of NIV weaning, emphasizing structured approaches, objective monitoring, and predictors of weaning success or failure. It examines guideline-based indications, monitoring strategies, and various weaning techniques-gradual and abrupt-with evidence of their efficacy across different patient populations. Predictive tools such as the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index, Lung Ultrasound Score, Diaphragm Thickening Fraction, ROX index, and HACOR score are analyzed for their diagnostic value. Additionally, this review underscores the importance of care setting-ICU, step-down unit, or general ward-and how it influences outcomes. Finally, it highlights critical gaps in research, especially around weaning in non-ICU environments. By consolidating current evidence and identifying predictors and pitfalls, this article aims to support clinicians in making safe, timely, and patient-specific NIV weaning decisions. In the current literature, there are gaps regarding patient selection and lack of universal protocolization for initiation and de-escalation of NIV as the data has been scattered. This review aims to consolidate the relevant information to be utilized by clinicians throughout multiple levels of care in all hospital systems.