HOME INTERMITTENT MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES - COMPARISON OF LUNG-FUNCTION TEST WITH OR WITHOUT IPPV

Background: Based on neuromuscular-disease patients in our care, we in vestigate the possibility of elaborating criteria by which to judge wh en home intermittent mechanical ventilation should be commenced and to assess its consequences over an extended period. Patients and Methods : Out of 24 patients with neuromuscular diseases (6 female, 18 male, m ean age 32 years), 14 were treated with IPPV. They were suffering from hypercapnic respiratory failure with heavy sleep disruption and corre sponding daily symptoms. Results: The aim was to calculate significant examination parameters to facilitate indication for IPPV. The clinica l situation of patients dependent on respiratory support improved unde r IPPV. We witnessed a ''ventilation-saving effect'' and - despite pro gression of the basic disease within the monitoring period - no deteri oration of the blood-gas situation. Conclusions: It is possible to ela borate criteria for the indication of IPPV based on our group of neuro muscular-disease patients.