Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
Outcome of noninvasive ventilation in children with neuromuscular disease
H K Young1, A Lowe, D A Fitzgerald
1Institute for Neuromuscular Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia.
Objective:
To assess the effect of institution of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on clinical outcome and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of children with severe neuromuscular disorders.
Methods:
We reviewed records and obtained clinical data from the year prior to commencing NIV and annually thereafter. Data obtained included diagnosis, patient symptoms, mortality, NIV adverse effects, pulmonary function tests, polysomnographic data, length of hospitalizations, and health care costs. Patients and parents completed questionnaires assessing QOL with NIV and recalling QOL before NIV.
Results:
Fourteen of 17 (82%) suitable patients were enrolled. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 84 months (median 30). Symptoms of daytime sleepiness (p = 0.003) and headache (p = 0.046) improved after initiation of NIV. Sleep quality assessed by polysomnography also improved. Hospitalization rates (p = 0.002) and health care costs (p = 0.003) decreased. QOL remained stable after NIV, despite disease progression.
Conclusion:
Treatment of respiratory failure, in children with neuromuscular disease, with noninvasive ventilation results in a reduction in symptoms, hospitalizations, and health care costs without adverse effects on quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease