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[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and nasal mechanical ventilation]
H Buhr-Schinner1, G Laier-Groeneveld, C P Criée
1Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Abteilungen Pneumologie, Beatmungsmedizin und Schlaflabor, Bovenden-Lenglem.
Medizinische Klinik (Munich, Germany : 1983)
|June 22, 1999
Summary
Nasal mechanical ventilation can improve quality of life for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. This noninvasive method is feasible even with complications, benefiting those with severe symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Nasal mechanical ventilation is a potential supportive therapy for ALS patients.
Observation:
- Thirty-eight ALS patients (12 female, 26 male) with predominantly severe symptoms, including 80% with bulbar involvement, underwent nasal mechanical ventilation.
- Ventilation was delivered via pressure- or volume-cycled respirators for 8 to 24 hours daily.
- Adaptation to intermittent nasal ventilation was achieved despite the presence of complications.
Findings:
- Noninvasive nasal mechanical ventilation proved to be a viable treatment option for ALS patients.
- The intervention was successfully implemented even when complications arose during treatment.
- Nineteen patients have since deceased, but the ventilation provided a benefit during their course.
Implications:
- Noninvasive mechanical ventilation can be safely and effectively utilized in ALS management.
- This therapeutic approach offers a means to enhance the quality of life for individuals with ALS.
- Further research into optimizing ventilation parameters and managing complications in ALS is warranted.