Decision-making in the respiratory care of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: should home mechanical ventilation be used?
As respiratory function starts to deteriorate in those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, one of the principal questions that has to be answered is whether it it is appropriate to provide ventilatory support. Although expensive, it is perfectly feasible to provide this at home, and this article examines many of the issues surrounding home mechanical ventilation.
Oppenheimer
E A
EA
Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles 90027-5822.
D000328:Adult; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D010358:Patient Participation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical