Spirometry and maximal respiratory pressures in patients with facial paralysis

The study included 17 patients with facial paralysis (FP) (10 male, 7 female) aged 47.6 +/- 21.0 years. Twelve of the 17 patients had Bell's palsy. The other causes of FP were as follows: one, polyradiculoneuritis; one, war injury; one, cerebrovascular accident; one, sarcoidosis; and one, dermatomyositis. Spirometry and maximal respiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax) were performed with three different techniques: without holding the lips, with patient holding lips, and with technician holding lips. We observed significant differences for PImax and PEmax among the three methods. There were no differences for spirometric values. In nine of the patients with Bell's palsy, PImax, PEmax, and spirometry tests were repeated two months after the first determination. With respect to the first determination, the values of Pmax-w/v holding lips increased, yet spirometric values were similar. In conclusion, PImax and PEmax can be an index of clinical FP evolution. Spirometric maneuvers can be performed with either patient or technician holding lips to ensure a perfect seal between lips and mouthpiece.