Noninvasive long-term ventilatory support for individuals with spinal muscular atrophy and functional bulbar musculature
Journal
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Journal Volume
76
Journal Issue
3
Pages
213-217
Date Issued
1995
Author(s)
Bach J.R.
Abstract
Ten individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and chronic ventilatory insufficiency were trained in the use of assisted coughing techniques and received intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) via oral and/ or nasal interfaces for a mean of 5.3 (range = 1 to 17) years. During this time they had significantly fewer respiratory complications than before introduction of noninvasive respiratory muscle aids despite the fact that 6 of the 10 went on to require more than 20 hours per day of ventilator use with less than 2 hours of ventilator-free breathing time (VFBT). All except two noninvasive IPPV users had vital capacities (VCs) less than 13% of predicted normal. They could, however, communicate verbally and take nutrition by mouth. All of the patients remained in the community. Five patients were gainfully employed and four were in school. We conclude that noninvasive respiratory muscle aids including noninvasive IPPV and assisted coughing techniques are effective and practical alternatives to tracheostomy for SMA patients with ventilatory failure but functional bulbar musculature. © 1995 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
SDGs
Type
journal article