[Quality of life and long-term survival with intermittent self-ventilation in respiratory insufficiency caused by thoracic restrictive diseases].
BACKGROUND
Mortality and quality of life are to be assessed in patients with respiratory failure due to restrictive chest wall disease. Neither specific questionnaires, nor perspective studies are available.


METHODS
In a retrospective analysis records of mortality and morbidity, physical and social activity, and duration of IPPV are reviewed.


RESULTS
The group consists of 35 patients (mean age 56 +/- 12 years; 22 female, 13 male; 11 post tuberculosis, 24 kyphoskoliosis; IPPV duration 28.5 +/- 20.7 months). Five patients died, 3 of which during the first 4 months: In 3 death is related to respiratory symptoms, 1 is due to pulmonary embolism, 1 to disruption of aortic aneurysm. Hospitalisation is required by 12 patients in 20 instances with a mean duration of 14.2 days. Respiratory symptoms are the cause in 13 instances, special difficulties are met with occlusion of tracheostoma in 3 patients. Professional activity is performed by 14 of the 21 patients < 60 years old. Physical activity is severely reduced in 4 patients, while it is mildly to moderately compromised in 26. Seven of all patients need supplemental oxygen.


CONCLUSIONS
In respiratory failure due to restrictive chest wall disease treatment with IPPV seems to improve long-term survival and to enhance quality of life.
Wiebel
M
M
Abteilung Innere Medizin-Pneumologie Thoraxklinik der LVA Baden, Heidelberg.
Schulz
M
M
Jackowski
M
M
Schulz
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007384:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D015996:Survival Rate
Lebensqualität und Langzeitüberleben unter intermittierender Selbstbeatmung bei Ateminsuffizienz infolge thorakal-restriktiver Erkrankungen.