[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and intermittent self ventilation therapy. Indications and follow-up].
BACKGROUND
Fully informed patients were willing to start with IPPV.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients with amyothropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were treated with noninvasive intermittent mechanical ventilation (7 women, 16 men, mean age 59 years). The major symptoms were dyspnoe, heavy sleep disruption resulting in severely reduced quality of life.


RESULTS
Their symptoms improved. The blood gases normalized during spontaneous breathing. They remained stable, despite a rapid decrease in respiratory force. Thirteen patients died, 6 during an acute event, 4 during bronchopulmonary infection and 3 stopped therapy, when they were fully ventilator dependent.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that respiratory symptoms and quality of life can be improved by home intermittent mechanical ventilation. Indication should therefore be made earlier.
Buhr-Schinner
H
H
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Lenglern, Abteilung Beatmungsmedizin und Schlaf, Universität Göttingen.
Laier-Groeneveld
G
G
Criée
C P
CP
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007385:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011788:Quality of Life; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012648:Self Care; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen