Apart from previous findings that major organ dysfunction and obtunded sensorium would obviously be unsuitable candidates for NIV, we found that pregnant women complicated by septic shock were less likely to be successfully treated by NIV. Our data also support that cautious selection of appropriate patients is important for successful application of NIV. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of NIV failure until stabilized. If there are signs of NIV failure, patients should be intubated promptly before a crisis develops.