IPPV FOR RESPIRATORY-FAILURE DUE TO RESTR ICTIVE DISORDERS OF THE CHEST-WALL - QUALITY-OF-LIFE AND LONG-TERM SURVIVAL

Background: Mortality and quality of life are to be assessed in patien ts with respiratory failure due to restrictive chest wall disease. Nei ther specific questionnaires, nor prospective studies are available. P atients and Method: In a retrospective analysis records of mortality a nd morbidity, physical and social activity, and duration of IPPV are r eviewed. Results: The group consists of 35 patients (mean age 56 +/- 1 2 years; 22 female, 13 male; 11 post tuberculosis, 25 kyphoskoliosis; IPPV duration 28.5 +/- 20.7 months). Five patients died, 3 of which du ring the first 4 months: In 3 death is related to respiratory symptoms , 1 is due to pulmonary embolism, 1 to disruption of aortic aneurysm. Hospit alisation is required by 12 patients in 20 instances with a mea n duration of 14.2 days. Respiratory symptoms are the cause in 13 inst ances, special difficulties are met with occlusion of tracheostoma in 3 patients. Professional activity is performed by 14 of the 21 patient s <60 years old. Physical activity is severely reduced in 4 patients, while it is mildly to moderately compromised in 26. Seven of all patie nts need supplemental oxygen. Conclusion: In respiratory failure due t o restrictive chest wall disease treatment with IPPV seems to improve long-term survival and to enhance quality of life.