Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders : official publication of the World Federation of Neurology, Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases
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Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. Other Motor Neuron Disord. · Apr 2003
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialNocturnal pulse oximetry: a new approach to establish the appropriate time for non-invasive ventilation in ALS patients.
Previous studies have supported non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), indicating that it prolongs survival. However, criteria for the use of NIV are yet to be defined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of nocturnal pulse oximetry (NPO) as a tool for determining the most appropriate time at which to initiate NIV in ALS patients. ⋯ Survival was longer in Group 2 (p<0.002). We concluded that NPO is a valuable screening test to establish the need for NIV. Our results also suggest that the early diagnosis of RI and the early use of NIV increase patient compliance with NIV.
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Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. Other Motor Neuron Disord. · Apr 2003
Case ReportsExpiratory muscle weakness and assisted cough in ALS.
Elimination of airway secretion is a major issue in the care of patients with ALS. Sufficient cough flows have to be generated by expiratory muscles to allow airway clearance. ⋯ Expiratory aids may help to overcome these problems, at least for some time. We report a patient with advanced ALS, receiving nocturnal NIV, who gained much benefit from regular use of a mechanical in-exsufflation device.