[Complications arising from the use of controlled respiration in patients with neurological diseases]

The authors applied controlled respiration in 112 cases of central nervous system diseases, polyneuropathies and myasthenia. During clinical observation or on autopsy in 30 cases complications were found in the form of subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema or pneumothorax, narrowing or chondromalacis of the trachea, granuloma formation, decubitus ulcers in the trachea with or without bleeding, and haemorrhagic-ulcerative tracheitis. In 7 cases (6.25%) these complications caused death. Factors leading to complications and their prevention are discussed.