title: Dysfunction of central control of breathing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: Dysfunction in central control of breathing in some amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients is not adequately detected with standard evaluation for respiratory dysfunction. Nocturnal oximetry reveals periodic desaturations despite normal respiratory muscle movements. Continuous diaphragmatic electromyography has provided in vivo data consistent with impaired central control of diaphragm motor units. Current understanding of central control of breathing identifies the pre-Botzinger complex as the inspiratory rhythm generator. Animal models of pre-Botzinger complex neurodegeneration demonstrate rapid eye movement-related central sleep apneas progressing to loss of rapid eye movement sleep, also apparent in some ALS patients. Evidence supports the hypothesis that dysfunction in central control of breathing in some ALS patients may be related to pre-Botzinger complex degeneration. As the impact dysfunction of central control of breathing has on ALS becomes better defined the current standard of evaluating respiratory dysfunction in ALS patients may need updating. Muscle Nerve 56: 197-201, 2017.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W Grand Boulevard, CFP 460, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Bradley N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W Grand Boulevard, CFP 460, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; central control of breathing; nocturnal oximetry; polysomnography; pre-Botzinger complex; sleep-disordered breathing