Data Collection
Demographic, clinical, and technology-related data were collected at: 1) the time of NIV initiation; 2) the initial follow-up visit within the first 12 months from NIV initiation; 3) the most recent follow-up visit after 12 months from NIV initiation (and a minimum of 3 months apart from the initial follow-up visit). Data was stored in an electronic REDCap database18.
Baseline demographic data collection included age, sex, and site of NIV initiation. Clinical data collection included specific underlying disease conditions, co-morbidities (defined as any additional diagnosis aside from the primary underlying diagnosis as per previous definition)19, additional technologies (e.g. oxygen therapy, V-P shunt, nasogastric/gastric-tube feeding, wheelchair), history of previous upper airway surgeries or/and additional major surgeries (e.g. heart surgery, neurosurgery, orthognathic surgery, spinal surgery). Technology-related data collected included NIV type (CPAP, BPAP or auto-PAP), mask type (nasal, oro-nasal, or other (total face mask or nasal pillow)), and trigger for NIV use (electively without polysomnography (PSG); electively with PSG; due to acute illness; other), date of NIV initiation and overall duration of NIV use. Follow-up data included the total number of NIV-related complications reported by patients/caregivers.