QUALITY-OF-LIFE WITH HOME MECHANICAL VENT ILATION

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory failure who require home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Patients and Methods: Patients with COPD (n = 20), scoliosis (n = 20), neuromuscular diseases (n = 20) and others (n = 7) were examined. A specific questionnaire containing forms for the pati ent, the physician and for the relatives was developed according to th e formulation of the question (Fragebogen zur chronischen Heimbeatmung = FCH, Interview zur chronischen Heimbeatmung = ICH). In addition to that the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Asthma Qu ality of life Questionnaire were used. Arterial blood gas tensions, pu lmonary function and inspiratory mouth occlusion pressure were studied . Results: Quality of life in patients with scoliosis and neuromuscula r diseases is improved during HMV compared to patients with COPD who e specially are impaired with regard to psychological and functional con ditons. Correlations with physiological parameters and with the compli ance could not be observed. Conclusion: Despite progression of the dis ease HMV enhances quality of life in patients with scoliosis and neuro muscular diseases. The outcome in COPD is less evident. Therefore the indication must be considered more critically.