[Treatment with Bi-PAP in patients with bilateral diaphragm paralysis].
Two patients with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis are described. The first case occurred secondary to open chest surgery; the second occurred in a polytraumatized patient. Both were successfully treated with intermittent bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP). Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis can be related to a variety of processes, although idiopathic forms also occur. Diagnosis can be difficult and should involve a high level of clinical suspicion. Treatment and prognosis are determined by the underlying disease. Some cases may require the establishment of nighttime support ventilation. Techniques for non-invasive ventilatory assistance such as Bi-PAP can improve symptoms markedly and allow patients to live independently.
de Miguel Díez
J
J
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid.
Jara Chinarro
B
B
Hermida Gutiérrez
J A
JA
Juretschke Moragues
M A
MA
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000379:methods*; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000628:therapy*