Prospective multicenter comparative therapeutic study, with a randomized controlled parallel and open design. Nasal high flow will be compared to NIV (reference treatment) for early treatment of AE-COPD associated with hypercapnic acidosis.
Adult patients admitted to the ED for AE-COPD with hypercapnic acidosis will be randomized to receive either nasal high flow or NIV as ventilatory support. Ventilatory support will be applied in 2h sessions and resumed as needed according to international guidelines for NIV treatment. Close monitoring of clinical and gas parameters will be conducted with repeat assessment and serial blood gas testing at 2h and after each 2h session of respiratory support in the ED (2h, 4h, 6h) and at 24h.
Standard oxygen therapy will be administered as required between ventilatory support sessions to maintain a target peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 : 88-92%).
Patient's dyspnea and comfort will be assessed before treatment and at 2h, and after each respiratory support session in the ED Patients will receive standard medical treatment for AE-COPD (bronchodilator, corticosteroids and antibiotics) according to current practice and 2023 global initiative guidelines for the management of COPD (GOLD).
Patients will be followed up at day 28 by means of medical records review and telephone interview
