title: Evaluation of pulmonary function in neuromuscular disease.
abstract: Pulmonary function tests were performed on 40 patients with neuromuscular disease. The maximum expiratory pressure was the most sensitive indicator of weakness and was decreased in 87% of adult patients. A comparison of Stead-Wells, electronic (Vanguard), and bellows spirometry (Vitalor) indicated an excellent correlation between the Stead-Wells and electronic devices. The bellows spirometer consistently underestimated volumes, particularly in severely weak patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008450:Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000503:physiopathology; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000503:physiopathology; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013147:Spirometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014797:Vital Capacity