[The value of artificial respiration for patients with myasthenia gravis (author's transl)]

The value of artificial respiration for the bridging of crises in patients with myasthenia gravis is emphasized on some typical cases. Further use, beyond a life-saving indication, for limited periods is described. Such relative indications may exist, when there is not yet complete respiratory failure but when a worsening of myasthenic weakness or cholinergic intoxication may threaten a respiratory crisis. In order to prevent serious complications, early artificial respiration may be indicated in the following situations: deterioration of cardio-pulmonary complications, important changes in therapy, particularly at the start of immuno-suppressive treatment, following tracheobronchial aspiration, in chronic cholinergic intoxication, following operations under general anesthesia, particularly after thymectomy. The importance of careful psychotherapy of myasthenics threatened by respiratory crises and the well-timed information on the chances, intentions and goals of intensive care including artificial respiration is emphasized.