Primary alveolar hypoventilation treated with nocturnal electrophrenic respiration.
A case of primary alveolar hypoventilation is described. Despite characteristic clinical findings, the diagnosis was delayed for 4 years. Alleviation of nocturnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia initially by a rocking bed and subsequently by phrenic nerve stimulation was accompanied by reversal of cor pulmonale and polycythemia. Electrophrenic respiration is an effective form of long-term management in primary alveolar hypoventilation.
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002628:Chemoreceptor Cells / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007040:Hypoventilation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010791:Phrenic Nerve; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012119:Respiration
D002245:Carbon Dioxide