Impact of a Telemonitoring Program on the Rate of Hospitalizations for Worsening of Cardio-respiratory Symptoms in COPD Patients Treated at Home by Long-term Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV)

COPD is characterized by non-reversible chronic airway obstruction. Its evolution is punctuated by successive exacerbations precipitating the progression of the disease and its co-morbidities. The most severe exacerbations are the source of frequent hospitalizations that strongly affect the patient's quality of life and are associated with increased mortality. The diagnosis of exacerbation is mainly clinical but patients frequently consult their doctor too late which may lead to delays in care. However, the early detection and management of these exacerbations can reduce their impact and in particular avoid hospitalization or shorten their duration. In France, long term Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is a widely used treatment modality in COPD patients with chronic alveolar hypoventilation who have frequent exacerbations. The investigators have demonstrated in a previous study that the analysis of parameters from software embedded in the NIV device can reliably predict the occurrence of an exacerbation. The investigators hypothesize that the daily transmission via a telemonitoring platform of the ventilation parameters of patients, together with an ad hoc warning system, would reduce the rate of hospitalization for COPD patients treated at home with NIV thanks to the early detection and early treatment of these exacerbations. The purpose of the study is to compare if a program of telemonitoring using the parameters stored by the NIV impact the rate of hospitalization for worsening of cardiorespiratory symptoms in COPD patients versus standard care over a one year period.