Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Intraspinal Cell Transplantation for Targeting Cervical Ventral Horn in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: September 18, 2011
Spinal muscular atrophy type 1: is long-term mechanical ventilation ethical?
Monique M Ryan1, Henry Kilham, Stephen Jacobe
1Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
We present a baby with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, an inherited disorder causing progressive weakness, leading to complete paralysis of respiratory, facial and limb muscles. Without intervention, death occurs in infancy due to respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilatory support can prolong life, but the child's quality of life is highly debatable. We discuss the appropriateness of initiating and continuing intensive care for this child and others in a similar position.
Related Concept Videos
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
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...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Acute Respiratory Failure-III

