title: Respiratory care in neuromuscular disorders.
abstract: In neuromuscular disorders beginning in childhood, the involvement of respiratory muscles is common. Deterioration of respiratory function occurs insidiously, contributes to significant morbidity, and is often responsible for mortality. Since symptoms of respiratory involvement are not obvious, especially in the presence of maintained ambulation, respiratory failure must be systematically searched for in order to allow early care. The key to care of respiratory problems in neuromuscular disorders is a preventive approach. Careful monitoring of symptoms, regular assessment of pulmonary function, appropriate presurgical management, and aggressive treatment of respiratory infections must be considered a standard of care.
authors.affiliation: Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France. Electronic address: brigitte.estournet@rpc.aphp.fr.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Estournet
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*