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

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.