[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and nasal mechanical ventilation].
BACKGROUND
Patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can profit from nasal mechanical ventilation and improve in the quality of life.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients were introduced to nasal mechanical ventilation, using pressure- and volume-cycled respirators. The daily periods of mechanical ventilation varied from 8 to 24 hours.


RESULTS
Twelve women and 26 men with ALS mostly with severe symptoms were adapted to the intermittent nasal ventilation. 80% had bulbar symptoms. Nineteen patients died till now. Even when complications occurred it was possible to use the noninvasive ventilation.


CONCLUSIONS
Noninvasive mechanical ventilation is possible in spite of complications and improves the quality of life in ALS.
Buhr-Schinner
H
H
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Abteilungen Pneumologie, Beatmungsmedizin und Schlaflabor, Bovenden-Lenglem.
Laier-Groeneveld
G
G
Criée
C P
CP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*
Die amyotrophe Lateralsklerose unter intermittierender Selbstbeatmungstherapie.