Non-invasive intermittent home mechanical ventilation as a palliative treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Citation
V. Schlamp et al., Non-invasive intermittent home mechanical ventilation as a palliative treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, NERVENARZT, 69(12), 1998, pp. 1074-1082
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Neurology
Journal title
NERVENARZT
ISSN journal
00282804 → ACNP
Volume
69
Issue
12
Year of publication
1998
Pages
1074 - 1082
Database
ISI
SICI code
0028-2804(199812)69:12<1074:NIHMVA>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
Almost all patients with a myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience sy mptoms of nocturnal hypoventilation during the course of the illness. These symptoms can develop years before death and may severely affect quality of life. Non-invasive intermittent home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via mask is a possible palliative measure for these symptoms, which is not often us ed in Germany. We report on our experience with HMV in 24 patients with ALS . Our data show a good palliative effect in 17 of 24 treated patients. Seve re complications did not occur. The mean ventilation time at present is 14 months. Available options and their consequences need to be discussed in de tail with patients and relatives before HMV is initiated.