Predictive Value of HACOR Score Plus Lung Ultrasound Score [HACOR-LUS] for Prediction of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Failure in Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) Patients: A Single-Centre Prospective Study

This observational study is designed to assess whether the combination of the HACOR score (Heart rate, Acidosis, Consciousness, Oxygenation, Respiratory rate) and the Lung Ultrasound Score (LUS) can enhance the prediction of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure in patients hospitalised due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). NIV is a recognised treatment for respiratory failure related to AECOPD; however, about a third of patients experience NIV failure, which is linked to poor outcomes. Early detection of individuals likely to experience NIV failure is essential for prompt escalation to invasive ventilation and improved prognosis. Around 140 adult patients with AECOPD requiring NIV will be recruited over a six-month period at the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, AIIMS Kalyani. HACOR and LUS will be evaluated within 2 hours of starting NIV. The predictive capabilities of each score individually and their combined effect (HACOR-LUS), for NIV failure will be analyzed using ROC curve analysis and logistic regression. The study aims to develop a straightforward, bedside composite model to assist clinicians in the early risk stratification and management of AECOPD patients undergoing NIV.