• Robert G Miller, Fred Anderson, Benjamin Rix Brooks, Hiroshi Mitsumoto, Walter G Bradley, Steven P Ringel, and ALS CARE Study Group.
• Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research Center, California Pacific Medical Center 94115, San Francisco, CA, USA. millerrx@sutterhealth.org
• Ann. Neurol. 2009 Jan 1; 65 Suppl 1: S24-8.

ObjectiveTo examine the care of patients with ALS following the publication of the standardized recommendations for the management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) published in 1999 by the American Academy of Neurology.MethodsSpecific aspects of ALS patient management have been evaluated serially using a national Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Assessment, Research, and Education (ALS CARE) database to encourage compliance with these recommendations and to assure continuing quality improvement.ResultsThe most recent analysis of 5,600 patients shows interesting epidemiological observations and treatment trends. Proper management of many ALS symptoms has increased substantially since the first publication of the guidelines, and awareness of pseudobulbar affect has increased. Other recommendations are underutilized: Only 9% undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, although this procedure was recommended in 22% of patients; and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was used by only 21% of patients despite being associated with improved 5-year survival rates.InterpretationThis observational database has been a useful tool in monitoring compliance with the standard of care for patients with ALS and may have resulted in greater adherence to guidelines.

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