Nocturnal mechanical ventilation for chronic hypoventilation in patients with neuromuscular and chest wall disorders

[S3 Guideline: Treating Chronic Respiratory Failure with Non-invasive Ventilation]

The S3 guideline on non-invasive ventilation as a treatment for chronic respiratory failure was published on the website of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) in July 2024. It offers comprehensive recommendations for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure in various underlying conditions, such as COPD, thoraco-restrictive diseases, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, and neuromuscular diseases. An important innovation is the separation of the previous S2k guideline dating back to 2017, which included both invasive and non-invasive ventilation therapy. Due to increased scientific evidence and a significant rise in the number of affected patients, these distinct forms of therapy are now addressed separately in two different guidelines.The aim of the guideline is to improve the treatment of patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency using non-invasive ventilation and to make the indications and therapy recommendations accessible to all involved in the treatment process. It is based on the latest scientific evidence and replaces the previous guideline. This revised guideline provides detailed recommendations on the application of non-invasive ventilation, ventilation settings, and the subsequent follow-up of treatment.In addition to the updated evidence, important new features of this S3 guideline include new recommendations on patient care and numerous detailed treatment pathways that make the guideline more user-friendly. Furthermore, a completely revised section is dedicated to ethical issues and offers recommendations for end-of-life care. This guideline is an important tool for physicians and other healthcare professionals to optimize the care of patients with chronic respiratory failure. This version of the guideline is valid for three years, until July 2027.

Enhancing respiratory function in neuromuscular disease: the role of non-invasive ventilation. A narrative review

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by extreme progressive muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of respiratory complications associated with NMDs. This review aims to elucidate the role of NMV in respiratory function, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival in individuals with NMD. The physiological basis of respiratory impairment in NMDs, principles of NMV application, evidence supporting its efficacy, patient selection criteria, and potential challenges in its application are discussed.

Concise review of end of life and palliative care in neuromuscular pathologies: still a long pathway ahead

Introduction

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) include different types of diseases depending on the deficient component of the motor unit involved. They may all be interested by a progressive and sometimes irreversible pump respiratory failure which unfortunately for some NMD may start soon after the diagnosis. Within this vast group of patients those affected by muscle diseases are a subgroup who comprises patients with an average earlier onset of symptoms compared to other NMD. Indeed it is also important to comprehend not just the patient's burden but also the surrounding families'. Defining the end of life (EoL) phase in these patients is not simple especially in the young patient population. Consequently, the late stage of disease remains poorly defined and challenging.

Objectives

The aim of this review is to describe the EoL phase in NMD patients with attention to QoL and psycological status.

Methods

The focus would be on one hand on the management of the psychological burden, the communication barriers, and tone of humor.

Results

Those topics have been described being crucial in this group of patients as they increase tensions and burden of both patient and family, and between them and the outside world. Thus also causing their social isolation, increasing anxiety and reducing their quality of life. On the other hand the use of cough clearance devices and all the respiratory supports and their withdrawn are carefully evaluated in the view of alleviating respiratory symptoms, improving patient quality of life and above all reaching the patient's goals of care.

Conclusions

Although there is no cure, the advent of supportive interventions including multidisciplinary care (MDC) has improved all the aspects of dying for patients affected by NMD; nevertheless there still a long pathway ahead.

Does PaCO2 correction have an impact on survival of patients with chronic respiratory failure and long-term non-invasive ventilation?

Background and objective

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves survival of patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF). Most often, pressure settings are made to normalize arterial blood gases. However, this objective is not always achieved due to intolerance to increased pressure or poor compliance. Few studies have assessed the effect of persistent hypercapnia on ventilated patients' survival. Data from the Pays de la Loire Respiratory Health Research Institute cohort were analyzed to answer this question.

Study design and methods

NIV-treated adults enrolled between 2009 and 2019 were divided into 5 subgroups: obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), COPD, obese COPD, neuromuscular disease (NMD) and chest wall disease (CWD). PaCO2 correction was defined as the achievement of a PaCO2 < 6 kPa or a 20% decrease in baseline PaCO₂ in COPD patients. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. Follow-up was censored in case of NIV discontinuation.

Results

Data from 431 patients were analyzed. Median survival was 103 months and 148 patients died. Overall, PaCO2 correction was achieved in 74% of patients. Bivariate analysis did not show any survival difference between patients who achievedPaCO₂ correction and those who remained hypercapnic: overall population: p = 0.74; COPD: p = 0.97; obese COPD: p = 0.28; OHS: p = 0.93; NMD: p = 0.84; CWD: p = 0.28.

Conclusion

Moderate residual hypercapnia under NIV does not negatively impact survival in CRF patients. In individuals with poor tolerance of pressure increases, residual hypercapnia can therefore be tolerated under long-term NIV. Larger studies, especially with a higher number of patients with residual PaCO2 > 7 kPa, are needed to confirm these results.

Diagnosis and management of Becker muscular dystrophy: the French guidelines

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is one of the most frequent among neuromuscular diseases, affecting approximately 1 in 18,000 male births. It is linked to a genetic mutation on the X chromosome. In contrast to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, for which improved care and management have changed the prognosis and life expectancy of patients, few guidelines have been published for management of BMD. Many clinicians are inexperienced in managing the complications of this disease. In France, a committee of experts from a wide range of disciplines met in 2019 to establish recommendations, with the goal of improving care of patients with BMD. Here, we present the tools to provide diagnosis of BMD as quickly as possible and for differential diagnoses. Then, we describe the multidisciplinary approach essential for optimum management of BMD. We give recommendations for the initial assessment and follow-up of the neurological, respiratory, cardiac, and orthopedic consequences of males who present with BMD. Finally, we describe the optimal therapeutic management of these complications. We also provide guidance on cardiac management for female carriers.

Effectiveness of long-term noninvasive ventilation measured by remote monitoring in neuromuscular disease

Background and objective

Patients with neuromuscular disease are often treated with home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with devices capable of remote patient monitoring. We sought to determine whether long-term NIV data could provide insight into the effectiveness of ventilation over time.

Methods

We abstracted available longitudinal data for adults with neuromuscular disease in monthly increments from first available to most recent. Generalised linear mixed-effects modelling with subject-level random effects was used to evaluate trajectories over time.

Results

1799 months of data across 85 individuals (median age 61, interquartile range (IQR) 46-71 years; 44% female; 49% amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) were analysed, with a median (IQR) of 17 (8-35) months per individual. Over time, tidal volume increased and respiratory rate decreased. Dynamic respiratory system compliance decreased, accompanied by increased pressure support. Compared to volume-assured mode, fixed-pressure modes were associated with lower initial tidal volume, higher respiratory rate and lower pressures, which did not fully equalise with volume-assured mode over time. Compared with non-ALS patients, those with ALS had lower initial pressure support, but faster increases in pressure support over time, and ALS was associated wtih a more robust increase in respiratory rate in response to low tidal volume. Nonsurvivors did not differ from survivors in ventilatory trajectories over time, but did exhibit decreasing NIV use prior to death, in contrast with stable use in survivors.

Conclusion

NIV keeps breathing patterns stable over time, but support needs are dynamic and influenced by diagnosis and ventilation mode. Mortality is preceded by decreased NIV use rather than inadequate support during use.

Health System Factors Affecting the Experience of Non-Invasive Ventilation Provision of People with Neuromuscular Disorders in New Zealand

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a critical therapy for many patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD), supporting those with respiratory failure to achieve adequate respiration and improve their quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of access to, consent, uptake, maintenance and safe use of non-invasive ventilation by people with NMD. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 11 people with NMD, each using NIV for more than 12 months. A critical realism ontological paradigm with contextualism epistemology guided the Reflexive Thematic Analysis. An Equity of Health Care Framework underpinned the analysis. Three themes were interpreted: Uptake and informed consent for NIV therapy; Practicalities of NIV; and Patient-clinician relationships. We identified issues at the system, organization and health professional levels. Conclusions: We recommend the development of national service specifications with clear standards and dedicated funding for patients with NMD and call on the New Zealand Ministry of Health to proactively investigate and monitor the variations in service delivery identified. The specific areas of concern for patients with NMD suggest the need for NMD-related NIV research and service provision responsive to the distinct needs of this population.

Quality of Life and Stress Levels in Patients under Home Mechanical Ventilation: What Can We Do to Improve Functioning Patients at Home? A Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is becoming more widely available in many countries.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to measure the health-related quality of life and stress levels of patients ventilated mechanically at home. The relation between quality of life and stress levels was investigated including multiple regression analysis.

METHODS

100 patients treated with HMV in Poland were surveyed with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).

RESULTS

26% of patients assessed their quality of life as bad or very bad and 34% as good or very good. Stress levels measured with PSS-10 Scale were high level. For the group of patients with neurological disorders, stress levels were significantly higher than for the group of patients with pulmonological disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher the stress levels of patients, the lower the quality of life in particular domains. Improving the living conditions of HMV patients can influence improving their quality of life.

Towards clinical application of implantable brain-computer interfaces for people with late-stage ALS: medical and ethical considerations

Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) frequently develop speech and communication problems in the course of their disease. Currently available augmentative and alternative communication technologies do not present a solution for many people with advanced ALS, because these devices depend on residual and reliable motor activity. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) use neural signals for computer control and may allow people with late-stage ALS to communicate even when conventional technology falls short. Recent years have witnessed fast progression in the development and validation of implanted BCIs, which place neural signal recording electrodes in or on the cortex. Eventual widespread clinical application of implanted BCIs as an assistive communication technology for people with ALS will have significant consequences for their daily life, as well as for the clinical management of the disease, among others because of the potential interaction between the BCI and other procedures people with ALS undergo, such as tracheostomy. This article aims to facilitate responsible real-world implementation of implanted BCIs. We review the state of the art of research on implanted BCIs for communication, as well as the medical and ethical implications of the clinical application of this technology. We conclude that the contribution of all BCI stakeholders, including clinicians of the various ALS-related disciplines, will be needed to develop procedures for, and shape the process of, the responsible clinical application of implanted BCIs.

Building a home ventilation programme: population, equipment, delivery and cost

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) improves quality of life and survival in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). Developing countries may benefit from published evidence regarding the prevalence, cost of equipment, technical issues and organisation of HMV in NMD, facilitating the development of local turn-key HMV programmes. Unfortunately, such evidence is scattered in the existing literature. We searched Medline for publications in English and French from 2005 to 2020. This narrative review analyses 24 international programmes of HMV. The estimated prevalence (min-max) of HMV is ±7.3/100 000 population (1.2-47), all disorders combined. The prevalence of HMV is associated with the gross domestic product per capita in these 24 countries. The prevalence of NMD is about 30/100 000 population, of which ±10% would use HMV. Nocturnal (8/24 hour), discontinuous (8-16/24 hours) and continuous (>16/24 hours) ventilation is likely to concern about 60%, 20% and 20% of NMD patients using HMV. A minimal budget of about 168€/patient/year (504€/100 000 population), including the cost of equipment solely, should address the cost of HMV equipment in low-income countries. When services and maintenance are included, the budget can drastically increase up to between 3232 and 5760€/patient/year. Emerging programmes of HMV in developing countries reveal the positive impact of international cooperation. Today, at least 12 new middle, and low-income countries are developing HMV programmes. This review with updated data on prevalence, technical issues, cost of equipment and services for HMV should trigger objective dialogues between the stakeholders (patient associations, healthcare professionals and politicians); potentially leading to the production of workable strategies for the development of HMV in patients with NMD living in developing countries.

Successfully Managed Respiratory Insufficiency in a Patient with a Novel Pathogenic Variant of the BMPER Gene: A Case Report

Bone morphogenetic protein-binding endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER) gene mutation presents a disease spectrum ranging from a mild type of ischiospinal dysostosis (ISD) to a more severe type of diaphanospondylodysostosis (DSD). It is known that BMPER gene mutations are very rare, and their resulting clinical manifestations, including musculoskeletal modifications, appear in a spectrum of various types and severity levels. With the development of genetic diagnosis, case reports of patients with specific mutations in the BMPER gene have been published. The most commonly known clinical features are kidney structural problems, including neuroblastoma and renal cysts. Meanwhile, respiratory failure is a common and fatal symptom for patients with BMPER gene mutation, but it does not appear to have been well evaluated or managed so far. We report a case of a confirmed novel mutation of c.1750delT (p.Cys584fs) in the BMPER gene in a female adolescent patient and highlight the importance of the regular assessment of respiratory failure for successful management of this condition.

Hypoventilation Syndrome Secondary to Club-Shaped Chest Wall Deformity

Hypoventilation syndrome is defined as a decrease in alveolar ventilation leading to hypercapnia (PaCO₂ > 35-45 mmHg) and hypoxemia. There are multiple causes of hypoventilation syndrome described in the literature, of which central and obesity-related causes are more prevalent. Other causes such as neuromuscular disorders and chest wall deformities are relatively less common. Multiple defects in the normal functioning of the respiratory function are implicated in the pathophysiological mechanism of hypoventilation syndrome, such as a hypoactive central ventilatory drive, decreased airway function, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, defective pulmonary mechanics, and respiratory muscle fatigue. Patients often present with dyspnea, headache, lethargy, repeated pulmonary infections, hypoxia that usually improves with low flow oxygen, and hypercapnia that may alter mental function. Nocturnal or diurnal assisted mechanical ventilation is proven to be an effective therapy for patients suffering hypoventilation syndromes. We describe a case of a 47-year-old woman with hypoventilation syndrome resulting from a rare chest wall deformity with inward protrusion of the costochondral junction of the ribs with ossification of the costal cartilage on CT who presented with dyspnea and hypercapnia.

Results of the home mechanical ventilation national program among adults in Chile between 2008 and 2017

Background

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a viable and effective strategy for patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF). The Chilean Ministry of Health started a program for adults in 2008.

Methods

This study examined the following data from a prospective cohort of patients with CRF admitted to the national HMV program: characteristics, mode of admission, quality of life, time in the program and survival.

Results

A total of 1105 patients were included. The median age was 59 years (44–58). Women accounted for 58.1% of the sample. The average body mass index (BMI) was 34.9 (26–46) kg/m². A total of 76.2% of patients started HMV in the stable chronic mode, while 23.8% initiated HMV in the acute mode. A total of 99 patients were transferred from the children's program. There were 1047 patients on non-invasive ventilation and 58 patients on invasive ventilation. The median baseline PaCO₂ level was 58.2 (52–65) mmHg. The device usage time was 7.3 h/d (5.8–8.8), and the time in HMV was 21.6 (12.2–49.5) months. The diagnoses were COPD (35%), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS; 23.9%), neuromuscular disease (NMD; 16.3%), non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or tuberculosis (non-CF BC or TBC; 8.3%), scoliosis (5.9%) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; 5.24%). The baseline score on the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire (SRI) was 47 (± 17.9) points and significantly improved over time. The lowest 1- and 3-year survival rates were observed in the ALS group, and the lowest 9-year survival rate was observed in the non-CF BC or TB and COPD groups. The best survival rates at 9 years were OHS, scoliosis and NMD. In 2017, there were 701 patients in the children's program and 722 in the adult´s program, with a prevalence of 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

The most common diagnoses were COPD and OHS. The best survival was observed in patients with OHS, scoliosis and NMD. The SRI score improved significantly in the follow-up of patients with HMV. The prevalence of HMV was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Trial registration This study was approved by and registered at the ethics committee of North Metropolitan Health Service of Santiago, Chile (N° 018/2021).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-021-01764-4.

Antioxidants to prevent respiratory decline in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and progressive respiratory decline

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterised by progressive muscle weakness beginning in early childhood. Respiratory failure and weak cough develop in all patients as a consequence of muscle weakness leading to a risk of atelectasis, pneumonia, or the need for ventilatory support. There is no curative treatment for DMD. Corticosteroids are the only pharmacological intervention proven to delay the onset and progression of muscle weakness and thus respiratory decline in DMD. Antioxidant treatment has been proposed to try to reduce muscle weakness in general, and respiratory decline in particular.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of antioxidant agents on preventing respiratory decline in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy during the respiratory decline phase of the condition.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers to 23 March 2021, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We included male patients with a diagnosis of DMD who had respiratory decline evidenced by a forced vital capacity (FVC%) less than 80% but greater than 30% of predicted values, receiving any antioxidant agent compared with other therapies for the management of DMD or placebo.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors screened studies for eligibility, assessed risk of bias of studies, and extracted data. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The primary outcomes were FVC and hospitalisation due to respiratory infections. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, adverse events, change in muscle function, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF).  MAIN RESULTS: We included one study with 66 participants who were not co-treated with corticosteroids, which was the only study to contribute data to our main analysis. We also included a study that enrolled 255 participants treated with corticosteroids, which was only available as a press release without numerical results. The studies were parallel-group RCTs that assessed the effect of idebenone on respiratory function compared to placebo. The trial that contributed numerical data included patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 14.3 (2.7) years at the time of inclusion, with a documented diagnosis of DMD or severe dystrophinopathy with clinical features consistent with typical DMD. The overall risk of bias across most outcomes was similar and judged as 'low'.  Idebenone may result in a slightly less of a decline in FVC from baseline to one year compared to placebo (mean difference (MD) 3.28%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.41 to 6.97; 64 participants; low-certainty evidence), and probably has little or no effect on change in quality of life (MD -3.80, 95% CI -10.09 to 2.49; 63 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), range 0 to 100, 0 = worst, 100 = best quality of life). As a related but secondary outcome, idebenone may result in less of a decline from baseline in FEV1 (MD 8.28%, 95% CI 0.89 to 15.67; 53 participants) and PEF (MD 6.27%, 95% CI 0.61 to 11.93; 1 trial, 64 participants) compared to placebo. Idebenone was associated with fewer serious adverse events (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.04; 66 participants; low-certainty evidence) and little to no difference in non-serious adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.13; 66 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. Idebenone may result in little to no difference in change in arm muscle function (MD -2.45 N, 95% CI -8.60 to 3.70 for elbow flexors and MD -1.06 N, 95% CI -6.77 to 4.65 for elbow extensors; both 52 participants) compared to placebo. We found no studies evaluating the outcome hospitalisation due to respiratory infection.  The second trial, involving 255 participants, for which data were available only as a press release without numerical data, was prematurely discontinued due to futility after an interim efficacy analysis based on FVC. There were no safety concerns. The certainty of the evidence was low for most outcomes due to imprecision and publication bias (the lack of a full report of the larger trial, which was prematurely terminated).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Idebenone is the only antioxidant agent tested in RCTs for preventing respiratory decline in people with DMD for which evidence was available for assessment. Idebenone may result in slightly less of a decline in FVC and less of a decline in FEV1 and PEF, but probably has little to no measurable effect on change in quality of life. Idebenone is associated with fewer serious adverse events than placebo. Idebenone may result in little to no difference in change in muscle function. Discontinuation due to the futility of the SIDEROS trial and its expanded access programmes may indicate that idebenone research in this condition is no longer needed, but we await the trial data. Further research is needed to establish the effect of different antioxidant agents on preventing respiratory decline in people with DMD during the respiratory decline phase of the condition.

Antioxidants to prevent respiratory decline in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and progressive respiratory decline

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterised by progressive muscle weakness beginning in early childhood. Respiratory failure and weak cough develop in all patients as a consequence of muscle weakness leading to a risk of atelectasis, pneumonia, or the need for ventilatory support. There is no curative treatment for DMD. Corticosteroids are the only pharmacological intervention proven to delay the onset and progression of muscle weakness and thus respiratory decline in DMD. Antioxidant treatment has been proposed to try to reduce muscle weakness in general, and respiratory decline in particular.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of antioxidant agents on preventing respiratory decline in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy during the respiratory decline phase of the condition.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers to 23 March 2021, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We included male patients with a diagnosis of DMD who had respiratory decline evidenced by a forced vital capacity (FVC%) less than 80% but greater than 30% of predicted values, receiving any antioxidant agent compared with other therapies for the management of DMD or placebo.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors screened studies for eligibility, assessed risk of bias of studies, and extracted data. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The primary outcomes were FVC and hospitalisation due to respiratory infections. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, adverse events, change in muscle function, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF).  MAIN RESULTS: We included one study with 66 participants who were not co-treated with corticosteroids, which was the only study to contribute data to our main analysis. We also included a study that enrolled 255 participants treated with corticosteroids, which was only available as a press release without numerical results. The studies were parallel-group RCTs that assessed the effect of idebenone on respiratory function compared to placebo. The trial that contributed numerical data included patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 14.3 (2.7) years at the time of inclusion, with a documented diagnosis of DMD or severe dystrophinopathy with clinical features consistent with typical DMD. The overall risk of bias across most outcomes was similar and judged as 'low'.  Idebenone may result in a slightly less of a decline in FVC from baseline to one year compared to placebo (mean difference (MD) 3.28%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.41 to 6.97; 64 participants; low-certainty evidence), and probably has little or no effect on change in quality of life (MD -3.80, 95% CI -10.09 to 2.49; 63 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), range 0 to 100, 0 = worst, 100 = best quality of life). As a related but secondary outcome, idebenone may result in less of a decline from baseline in FEV1 (MD 8.28%, 95% CI 0.89 to 15.67; 53 participants) and PEF (MD 6.27%, 95% CI 0.61 to 11.93; 1 trial, 64 participants) compared to placebo. Idebenone was associated with fewer serious adverse events (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.04; 66 participants; low-certainty evidence) and little to no difference in non-serious adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.13; 66 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. Idebenone may result in little to no difference in change in arm muscle function (MD -2.45 N, 95% CI -8.60 to 3.70 for elbow flexors and MD -1.06 N, 95% CI -6.77 to 4.65 for elbow extensors; both 52 participants) compared to placebo. We found no studies evaluating the outcome hospitalisation due to respiratory infection.  The second trial, involving 255 participants, for which data were available only as a press release without numerical data, was prematurely discontinued due to futility after an interim efficacy analysis based on FVC. There were no safety concerns. The certainty of the evidence was low for most outcomes due to imprecision and publication bias (the lack of a full report of the larger trial, which was prematurely terminated).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Idebenone is the only antioxidant agent tested in RCTs for preventing respiratory decline in people with DMD for which evidence was available for assessment. Idebenone may result in slightly less of a decline in FVC and less of a decline in FEV1 and PEF, but probably has little to no measurable effect on change in quality of life. Idebenone is associated with fewer serious adverse events than placebo. Idebenone may result in little to no difference in change in muscle function. Discontinuation due to the futility of the SIDEROS trial and its expanded access programmes may indicate that idebenone research in this condition is no longer needed, but we await the trial data. Further research is needed to establish the effect of different antioxidant agents on preventing respiratory decline in people with DMD during the respiratory decline phase of the condition.

Intensive Care and Treatment of Severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyneuropathy mostly characterized by acute flaccid paralysis with or without sensory/autonomous nerve dysfunction. Current immuno therapies including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), plasma exchange (PE), and newly developed biological drugs benefit patients by alleviating hyperreactive immune responses. Up to 30% of patients develop respiratory failure during hospitalization and require mechanical ventilation and intensive care. Immunotherapies, mechanical ventilation, supportive care, and complication management during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay are equally emphasized. The most important aspect of intensive care and treatment of severe GBS, that is, mechanical ventilation, has been extensively reviewed elsewhere. In contrast to immunotherapies, care and treatment of GBS in the ICU setting are largely empirical. In this review, we intend to stress the importance of intensive care and treatment, other than mechanical ventilation in patients with severe GBS. We summarize the up-to-date knowledge of pharmacological therapies and ICU management of patients with severe GBS. We aim to answer some key clinical questions related to the management of severe GBS patients including but not limited to: Is IVIg better than PE or vice versa? Whether combinations of immune therapies benefit more? How about the emerging therapies promising for GBS? When to perform tracheal intubation or tracheostomy? How to provide multidisciplinary supportive care for severe cases? How to avert life-threatening complications in severe cases?

Home Mechanical Ventilation: A Patient's Perspective Survey Study

Background: An increasing number of patients included in home mechanical ventilation (HMV) care has been under observation for many years. The study aimed to assess the patients opinion concerning the expected and perceived quality of care in an HMV system and a patient’s satisfaction with care. Methods: In 2017, patients treated with HMV were surveyed in Poland with the modified SERVQUAL questionnaire. Results: One hundred correctly completed surveys were analyzed. Patient Satisfaction Index was high. In every examined area, the expectations were statistically significant larger than the perception of the services. The biggest gap was in the tangibility dimension and the smallest gap was in the empathy dimension. Perceived respect and understanding for a patient’s needs are close to the expectations. Conclusions: The level of satisfaction with health care among patients treated with HMV in majority of investigated components is high. Moreover, the difference between perceived and expected quality of health care in the HMV system was relatively small in the opinion of the patients themselves. Further investigations with alternative methods are needed.

Home Noninvasive Ventilation in Pediatric Subjects With Neuromuscular Diseases: One Size Fits All

BACKGROUND

Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improves disease courses of patients with respiratory insufficiency due to neuromuscular diseases. Data about appropriate ventilator settings for pediatric patients are missing.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, ventilator settings of 128 subjects with neuromuscular disease aged 0-17 y with NIV were compared between 4 age groups (< 1 y, 0-5 y, 6-11 y, and 12-17 y). Additionally, correlations of ventilator settings with age and vital capacity were investigated in an ungrouped approach.

RESULTS

Ventilator backup rate decreased significantly with age, leading to significant backup rate differences between all groups except the oldest two. Median (interquartile range) backup rates were 36 (11.5), 24 (4), 20 (4), and 20 (3) breaths/min in groups 1-4, respectively. Median [IQR] expiratory positive airway pressures (4 [0.5], 4 [0], 4 [0], 4 [1] cm H₂O, respectively) and median [IQR] inspiratory positive airway pressures (12 [1.5], 12 [5], 12 [2.3], and 14 [4] cm H₂O, respectively) showed no significant differences. However, correlation analyses indicated an increase of inspiratory positive airway pressure with age and decreasing FVC, as well as an increase of backup rates with decreasing FVC.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar NIV settings fit all age groups of pediatric subjects with neuromuscular disease. Thus, we propose an expiratory positive airway pressure of 4-5 cm H₂O, an inspiratory pressure delta of 8-10 cm H₂O, and an age-oriented backup rate as a starting point for NIV titration. Patients with advanced disease stages might require slightly higher inspiratory positive airway pressures and backup rates.

[Mouthpiece ventilation in neuromuscular diseases]

Le document qui suit est la traduction intégrale du compte rendu établi à l’occasion du 252e atelier international ENMC consacré, du 6 ou 8 mars 2020, au « Développement de recommandations pour l’utilisation de la ventilation par embout buccal dans les maladies neuromusculaires », et publié très récemment dans la revue Neuromuscular Disorders (M. Chatwin, M. Gonçalves, J. Gonzalez-Bermejo, M. Toussaint, et al. 252nd ENMC international workshop: Developing best practice guidelines for management of mouthpiece ventilation in neuromuscular disorders. March 6th to 8th 2020, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Neuromuscular Disorders 2020 ; 30 : 772–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2020.07.008).

Liberation and mortality outcomes in pediatric long-term ventilation: A qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic review of liberation from positive pressure ventilation and mortality of children with chronic respiratory failure who used long-term invasive and noninvasive ventilation (LTV).

METHODS

Papers published from 1980 to 2018 were identified using Pubmed MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Search results were limited to English-language papers with (a) patients less than 22 years at initiation, (b) patients who used invasive ventilation (IV) via tracheostomy or noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and (c) data on mortality or liberation from LTV. Data were presented using descriptive statistics; changes in outcomes over time were explored using linear regression. Follow-up variability, cohort heterogeneity, and insufficient data precluded combining data to estimate incidences or rates.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty papers with 12 704 patients were included. The median number of patients was 37 (interquartile range [IQR] 17-74, range 6-3802). Twenty-five percent of patients were initiated on IV; 75% on NIV. The maximum follow-up ranged from 0.5 to 31.8 years (median 8.8 years). The median proportion of patients liberated in these papers was 3% (IQR 0%-21%). The median proportion of mortality was 18% (IQR 8%-27%). Proportions of liberation and mortality did not significantly change over time. Progression of underlying disease (44%), respiratory illness (19%), and LTV accident (11%) were the most common causes of death.

CONCLUSIONS

These papers collectively show most patients survive for many years using LTV; in many subgroups, death is a more common outcome than liberation. However, the limitations of these papers preclude robust prognostication.

Respiratorische Ereigniserkennung unter nichtinvasiver Beatmung (NIV) in Abhängigkeit von der genutzten Flowmessung

Hintergrund

Beim chronisch hyperkapnischem Atemversagen stellt die nächtliche nichtinvasive Beatmung (NIV) die Standardtherapie dar. Die Einstellung auf die NIV erfordert jedoch viel Erfahrung. Nur eine Polysomnografie (PSG) im Schlaflabor ermöglicht die genaue Analyse von residualen Obstruktionen der oberen Atemwege, zentralen Apnoen, Triggerfehlfunktionen und Leckagen. Die Flowmessung unter NIV ist technisch jedoch nicht einfach, insbesondere da normierte Schnittstellen zur Einbindung der Respiratoren in die PSG fehlen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Vergleich eines Druck‑/Flow-Monitors mit den Signalen aus den Schnittstellen der Respiratoren bezüglich der Erkennung sowohl von Apnoen/Hypopnoen als auch von NIV-spezifischen Ereignissen in der PSG.

Methoden

Retrospektiv wurden 20 Aufzeichnungen von Patienten unter NIV, die unter einem standardisierten Protokoll aufgezeichnet worden waren, erneut verblindet ausgewertet. Es erfolgte ein Vergleich der Auswertung dreier verschiedener Verfahren der Flowmessung (effortbasiert, Staudruckmessung, Schnittstelle) hinsichtlich der Häufigkeit von respiratorischen Ereignissen.

Ergebnisse

Durch eine einfach zu integrierende Staudruckmessung mittels Druck‑/Flow-Monitor waren signifikant weniger Ereignisse diagnostizierbar, als wenn der Flow über die Abdomen- und Thoraxgurte oder über die Schnittstelle zu den Respiratoren ermittelt wurde. Auch die NIV-induzierten Ereignisse wie Fehltriggerungen oder Leckagen ließen sich nur mittels der Schnittstelle zuverlässig erkennen.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine Messung des Flows mit einem Standard Druck‑/Flow-Monitor bietet keine ausreichend nachvollziehbaren Ergebnisse. Eine Einbindung des Beatmungsgeräts in die PSG über eine Schnittstelle ist daher zu fordern.

Impact of Interface Type on Noninvasive Ventilation Efficacy in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Around 25% of patients with neuro-muscular diseases (NMD) are treated by home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) through an oronasal mask. However, there is growing evidence that nasal masks require lower NIV pressures and result in fewer residual obstructive events. We hypothesized that nasal masks would improve efficacy and reduce side effects compared to oronasal masks in this population.

METHODS

open label, cross-over, randomized, study in 2 tertiary care hospitals. Patients with NMD treated by home NIV were randomized for one-week periods to nasal and oronasal interfaces respectively (cross-over). At the end of each period, nocturnal polygraphy (monitoring mouth opening) under NIV, synchronized with transcutaneous partial pressure in CO₂ (tcCO₂) was performed. Data were collected from the NIV built-in software and NIV side-effects were collected. Intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses were performed. The primary outcome was mean nocturnal SpO₂. The secondary outcomes were: percentage of sleep with SpO₂<90%, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean tcCO₂, mean duration of mouth opening during sleep, level of non-intentional leaks and side-effects.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with NMD were included. There were no between-group differences for either the primary or secondary outcomes. Post hoc comparisons showed that changing between interfaces reduced NIV efficacy: mean nocturnal SpO₂ (p=0.04), ODI (p=0.01), mean tcCO2 (p=0.048), side-effects (p=0.008).

CONCLUSION

Nasal masks did not improve NIV efficacy or reduce side effects compared to oronasal masks in patients with NMD treated by home NIV. The efficacy of NIV is reduced during the transition to another interface, requiring close monitoring. Registration number: NCT03458507.

Noninvasive Ventilation in Palliative Care and Ethical Dilemma

Significant difference exists between validated indications for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in children and current real life practice. Lately, dedicated centers have reported exponential growth of NIV use in children and adolescents. Upper airway obstruction, neuromuscular diseases, chronic lung/thoracic conditions, and central respiratory drive failure remain the most prevalent indications. However, the need to alleviate respiratory failure related distress has been increasingly recognized in several other conditions. Palliative care in children with life limiting disorders is a complex continuum of activities. In order to provide the most appropriate care for the patients and their families, the management often oscillates between actively curative and purely supportive actions. Despite unprecedented therapeutic advancements, several neurologic, metabolic, hemato-oncologic, respiratory, and other rare diseases remain with no curative options. Besides, attentiveness to relive suffering, awareness, and availability have moved the boundaries of NIV use toward conditions formerly not considered suitable for such care. Still, NIV has limitations and can, if sustained in inappropriate circumstances, fail to provide relief. A structured professional frameshift should be available for support and ethical guidance in order to provide confidence to patients, families and all the involved caregivers.

Sleep-related breathing disorders in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

PURPOSE

Severe manifestations of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal hypoventilation (NH), but prevalence data are scarce. In patients with respiratory muscle weakness, detection of NH can be facilitated by transcutaneous capnometry, but respective data derived from FSHD patients have not yet been published.

METHODS

We collected sleep studies and capnometry recordings from 31 adult patients with genetically confirmed FSHD who were admitted to our sleep laboratory for first-ever evaluation of sleep-related breathing. Indications for admission included non-restorative sleep, morning headache, or excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition, sleep studies were initiated if symptoms or signs of respiratory muscle weakness were present. Thirty-one subjects with insomnia served as controls for comparison of respiratory measures during sleep.

RESULTS

In the FSHD group, 17/31 (55%) patients showed OSA and 8 (26%) had NH. NH would have been missed in 7/8 patients if only oximetry criteria of hypoventilation had been applied. Capnography results were correlated with disease severity as reflected by the Clinical Severity Score (CSS). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was started in 6 patients with NH and 3 individuals with OSA. Nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure was administered to 2 patients, and positional therapy was sufficient in 4 individuals. In patients initiated on NIV, nocturnal gas exchange already improved in the first night of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SDB is common in adult patients with FSHD complaining of sleep-related symptoms. It may comprise OSA, NH, and most often, the combination of both. Sleep-related hypercapnia is associated with disease severity. Transcutaneous capnometry is superior to pulse oximetry for detection of NH.

Patient Experience in Home Respiratory Therapies: Where We Are and Where to Go

The increasing number of patients receiving home respiratory therapy (HRT) is imposing a major impact on routine clinical care and healthcare system sustainability. The current challenge is to continue to guarantee access to HRT while maintaining the quality of care. The patient experience is a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare and an emergent area of clinical research. This review approaches the assessment of the patient experience in the context of HRT while highlighting the European contribution to this body of knowledge. This review demonstrates that research in this area is still limited, with no example of a prescription model that incorporates the patient experience as an outcome and no specific patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) available. This work also shows that Europe is leading the research on HRT provision. The development of a specific PREM and the integration of PREMs into the assessment of prescription models should be clinical research priorities in the next several years.

A qualitative study of experiences of health and social care in home mechanical ventilation

AIM

To contribute insight into health and social care integration through an exploration of the care experiences of adults with degenerative neuromuscular conditions who use a mechanical ventilator at home.

DESIGN

Descriptive qualitative research.

METHODS

Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and family carers living in Scotland during 2015-2016 and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

To achieve a satisfying life, home ventilated participants required help from a variety of health and social care services, as well as care from family. Examples of successful care were identified, but there were also serious failures and conflict with services. Identifying how care fails or succeeds for this patient population and their families requires an understanding of the interdependency of health and social care. This was achieved by examining health and social care provision from the experiential perspective of care-users to provide insights into how disconnected provision has an impact on users' lives in numerous, idiosyncratic ways.

Long-Term Ventilation in Neuromuscular Patients: Review of Concerns, Beliefs, and Ethical Dilemmas

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is an effective treatment in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) to improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival.

SUMMARY

NIV should be used early in the course of respiratory muscle involvement in NMD patients and its requirements may increase over time. Therefore, training on technical equipment at home and advice on problem solving are warranted. Remote monitoring of ventilator parameters using built-in ventilator software is recommended. Telemedicine may be helpful in reducing hospital admissions. Anticipatory planning and palliative care should be carried out to lessen the burden of care, to maintain or withdraw from NIV, and to guarantee the most respectful management in the last days of NMD patients' life. Key Message: Long-term NIV is effective but challenging in NMD patients. Efforts should be made by health care providers in arranging a planned transition to home and end-of-life discussions for ventilator-assisted individuals and their families.

Health-related quality of life as predictor for mortality in patients treated with long-term mechanical ventilation

Background

The Severe Respiratory Insufficiency (SRI) questionnaire is a specific measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients treated with long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV). The aim of the present study was to examine whether SRI sum scores and related subscales are associated with mortality in LTMV patients.

Methods

The study included 112 LTMV patients (non-invasive and invasive) from the Norwegian LTMV registry in Western Norway from 2008 with follow-up in August 2014. SRI data were obtained through a postal questionnaire, whereas mortality data were obtained from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. The SRI questionnaire contains 49 items and seven subscales added into a summary score (range 0–100) with higher scores indicating a better HRQoL. The association between the SRI score and mortality was estimated as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using Cox regression models and HRs were estimated per one unit change in the SRI score.

Results

Of the 112 participating patients in 2008, 52 (46%) had died by August 2014. The mortality rate was the highest in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (75%), followed by patients with neuromuscular disease (46%), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (31%) and chest wall disease (25%) (p < 0.001). Higher SRI sum scores in 2008 were associated with a lower mortality risk after adjustment for age, education, hours a day on LTMV, time since initiation of LTMV, disease category and comorbidity (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99). In addition, SRI-Physical Functioning (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99), SRI-Psychological Well-Being (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99), and SRI-Social Functioning (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99) remained significant risk factors for mortality after covariate adjustment. In the subgroup analyses of patient with neuromuscular diseases we found significant inverse associations between some of the SRI subscales and mortality.

Conclusions

SRI score is associated with mortality in LTMV-treated patients. We propose the use of SRI in the daily clinic with repeated measurements as part of individual follow-up. Randomized clinical trials with interventions aimed to improve HRQoL in LTMV patients should consider the SRI questionnaire as the standard HRQoL measurement.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-018-0768-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Patterns of use, survival and prognostic factors in patients receiving home mechanical ventilation in Western Australia: A single centre historical cohort study

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is used in a wide range of disorders associated with chronic hypoventilation. We describe the patterns of use, survival and predictors of death in Western Australia. We identified 240 consecutive patients (60% male; mean age 58 years and body mass index 31 kg m^-2) referred for HMV between 2005 and 2010. The patients were grouped into four categories: motor neurone disorders (MND; 39%), pulmonary disease (PULM; 25%, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), non-MND neuromuscular and chest wall disorders (NMCW; 21%) and the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS; 15%). On average, the patients had moderate ventilatory impairment (forced vital capacity: 51%predicted), sleep apnoea (apnoea-hypopnea index: 25 events h^-1), sleep-related hypoventilation (transcutaneous carbon dioxide rise of 20 mmHg) and daytime hypercarbia (PCO₂: 54 mmHg). Median durations of survival from HMV initiation were 1.0, 4.2, 9.9 and >11.5 years for MND, PULM, NMCW and OHS, respectively. Independent predictors of death varied between primary indications for HMV; the predictors included (a) age in all groups except for MND (hazard ratios (HRs) 1.03-1.10); (b) cardiovascular disease (HR: 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-5.10) in MND; (c) obesity (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.62) and oxygen therapy (HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.79) in PULM; and (d) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%predicted; HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-1.00) in OHS.

Left bundle branch block in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Prevalence, genetic relationship and prognosis

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited myogenic disorder due to mutations in the dystrophin gene on chromosome Xp21.1. We designed this study to determine the prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB), whether there is a relationship between LBBB and genetic pattern, and to assess predictive factors for acute cardiac events and mortality in adult DMD patients.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of DMD followed at the Home Mechanical Ventilation Unit of the Raymond Poincare University Hospital.

Results

A total of 121 patients, aged from 18 to 41 years have been included in our study. Median vital capacity (VC) was 12% [7; 19.5] of predicted. Almost all patients were on home mechanical ventilation (95%). LBBB was present in 15 patients (13%); among them, 10 disclosed exonic deletions. After a median follow up of 6 years, 21 patients (17%) experienced acute heart failure (AHF), 7 patients (6%) supraventricular arrhythmia, 3 patients (2.4%) ventricular tachycardia, 4 patients (3%) significant electrical disturbances. LBBB was significantly associated with cardiac events (OR = 12.7; 95%CI [3.78–42.7]; p <0.0001) and mortality (OR = 4.4; 95%CI [1.44–13.7]; p 0.009). Presence of residual dystrophin protein was not associated with significant less cardiac events. Age and LVEF were also predictive factors for cardiac events and mortality.

Conclusion

LBBB is relatively frequent in DMD and is a major predictive factor for cardiac events and mortality. Presence of residual dystrophin protein was not associated with a lower incidence of cardiac events.

Invasive versus non-invasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in neuromuscular disease and chest wall disorders

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory failure is a common life-threatening complication of acute onset neuromuscular diseases, and may exacerbate chronic hypoventilation in patients with neuromuscular disease or chest wall disorders. Standard management includes oxygen supplementation, physiotherapy, cough assistance, and, whenever needed, antibiotics and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) via nasal, buccal or full-face devices has become routine practice in many centres.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this review was to compare the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation with invasive ventilation in improving short-term survival in acute respiratory failure in people with neuromuscular disease and chest wall disorders. The secondary objectives were to compare the effects of NIV with those of invasive mechanical ventilation on improvement in arterial blood gas after 24 hours and lung function measurements after one month, incidence of barotrauma and ventilator-associated pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit and length of hospital stay.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases on 11 September 2017: the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase. We also searched conference proceedings and clinical trials registries.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to include randomised or quasi-randomised trials with or without blinding. We planned to include trials performed in children or adults with acute onset neuromuscular diseases or chronic neuromuscular disease or chest wall disorders presenting with acute respiratory failure that compared the benefits and risks of invasive ventilation versus NIV.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors reviewed searches and independently selected studies for assessment. We planned to follow standard Cochrane methodology for data collection and analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any trials eligible for inclusion in the review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening complication of acute onset neuromuscular disease and of chronic neuromuscular disease and chest wall disorders. We found no randomised trials on which to elaborate evidence-based practice for the use of non-invasive versus invasive mechanical ventilation. For researchers, there is a need to design and conduct new randomised trials to compare NIV with invasive ventilation in acute neuromuscular respiratory failure. These trials should anticipate variations in treatment responses according to disease condition (acute onset versus acute exacerbation on chronic neuromuscular diseases) and according to the presence or absence of bulbar dysfunction.

Mechanical ventilation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Neuromuscular respiratory failure is the most common cause of death, which usually occurs within two to five years of the disease onset. Supporting respiratory function with mechanical ventilation may improve survival and quality of life. This is the second update of a review first published in 2009.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of mechanical ventilation (tracheostomy-assisted ventilation and non-invasive ventilation (NIV)) on survival, functional measures of disease progression, and quality of life in ALS, and to evaluate adverse events related to the intervention.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and AMED on 30 January 2017. We also searched two clinical trials registries for ongoing studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs involving non-invasive or tracheostomy-assisted ventilation in participants with a clinical diagnosis of ALS, independent of the reported outcomes. We included comparisons with no intervention or the best standard care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

For the original review, four review authors independently selected studies for assessment. Two review authors reviewed searches for this update. All review authors independently extracted data from the full text of selected studies and assessed the risk of bias in studies that met the inclusion criteria. We attempted to obtain missing data where possible. We planned to collect adverse event data from the included studies.

MAIN RESULTS

For the original Cochrane Review, the review authors identified two RCTs involving 54 participants with ALS receiving NIV. There were no new RCTs or quasi-RCTs at the first update. One new RCT was identified in the second update but was excluded for the reasons outlined below.Incomplete data were available for one published study comparing early and late initiation of NIV (13 participants). We contacted the trial authors, who were not able to provide the missing data. The conclusions of the review were therefore based on a single study of 41 participants comparing NIV with standard care. Lack of (or uncertain) blinding represented a risk of bias for participant- and clinician-assessed outcomes such as quality of life, but it was otherwise a well-conducted study with a low risk of bias.The study provided moderate-quality evidence that overall median survival was significantly different between the group treated with NIV and the standard care group. The median survival in the NIV group was 48 days longer (219 days compared to 171 days for the standard care group (estimated 95% confidence interval 12 to 91 days, P = 0.0062)). This survival benefit was accompanied by an enhanced quality of life. On subgroup analysis, in the subgroup with normal to moderately impaired bulbar function (20 participants), median survival was 205 days longer (216 days in the NIV group versus 11 days in the standard care group, P = 0.0059), and quality of life measures were better than with standard care (low-quality evidence). In the participants with poor bulbar function (21 participants), NIV did not prolong survival or improve quality of life, although there was significant improvement in the mean symptoms domain of the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index by some measures. Neither trial reported clinical data on intervention-related adverse effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-quality evidence from a single RCT of NIV in 41 participants suggests that it significantly prolongs survival, and low-quality evidence indicates that it improves or maintains quality of life in people with ALS. Survival and quality of life were significantly improved in the subgroup of people with better bulbar function, but not in those with severe bulbar impairment. Adverse effects related to NIV should be systematically reported, as at present there is little information on this subject. More RCT evidence to support the use of NIV in ALS will be difficult to generate, as not offering NIV to the control group is no longer ethically justifiable. Future studies should examine the benefits of early intervention with NIV and establish the most appropriate timing for initiating NIV in order to obtain its maximum benefit. The effect of adding cough augmentation techniques to NIV also needs to be investigated in an RCT. Future studies should examine the health economics of NIV. Access to NIV remains restricted in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. We need to understand the factors, personal and socioeconomic, that determine access to NIV.

Long-term volume-targeted pressure-controlled ventilation: sense or nonsense?

The technology underlying the development of novel ventilatory modes for long-term noninvasive ventilation of patients with chronic hypercapnia is continuously evolving. Volume-targeted pressure-controlled ventilation is a hybrid ventilation mode designed to combine the advantages of conventional ventilation modes, while avoiding their drawbacks. However, manufacturers have created different names and have patented algorithms and set-up variables, which can result in confusion for physicians and respiratory therapists. In addition, clear evidence for the superiority of this novel mode has not yet been established. These factors have most likely hindered more widespread use of this mode in clinical practice. The current review presents the rationale, working principles, characteristics and set-up recommendations associated with volume-targeted modes. In addition, it summarises the clinical and laboratory studies that have challenged this mode.

Symptomatic treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Motor neuron disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes a wide range of symptoms but the evidence base for the effectiveness of the symptomatic treatment therapies is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To summarise the evidence from Cochrane Systematic Reviews of all symptomatic treatments for MND.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) on 15 November 2016 for systematic reviews of symptomatic treatments for MND. We assessed the methodological quality of the included reviews using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and the GRADE approach. We followed standard Cochrane study (review) selection and data extraction procedures. We reported findings narratively and in tables.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine Cochrane Systematic Reviews of interventions to treat symptoms in people with MND. Three were empty reviews with no included randomised controlled trials (RCTs); however, all three reported on non-RCT evidence and the remaining six included mostly one or two studies. We deemed all of the included reviews of high methodological quality. Drug therapy for painThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review exploring the efficacy of drug therapy for pain in MND. Treatment for crampsThere is evidence (13 RCTs, N = 4012) that for the treatment of cramps in MND, compared to placebo:- memantine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably ineffective (moderate-quality evidence);- vitamin E may have little or no effect (low-quality evidence); and- the effects of L-threonine, gabapentin, xaliproden, riluzole, and baclofen are uncertain as the evidence is either very low quality or the trial specified the outcome but did not report numerical data.The review reported adverse effects of riluzole, but it is not clear whether other interventions had adverse effects. Treatment for spasticityIt is uncertain whether an endurance-based exercise programme improved spasticity or quality of life, measured at three months after the programme, as the quality of evidence is very low (1 RCT, comparison "usual activities", N = 25). The review did not evaluate other approaches, such as use of baclofen as no RCTs were available. Mechanical ventilation for supporting respiratory functionNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) probably improves median survival and quality of life in people with respiratory insufficiency and normal to moderately impaired bulbar function compared to standard care, and improves quality of life but not survival for people with poor bulbar function (1 RCT, N = 41, moderate-quality evidence; a second RCT did not provide data). The review did not evaluate other approaches such as tracheostomy-assisted ('invasive') ventilation, or assess timing of NIV initiation. Treatment for sialorrhoeaA single session of botulinum toxin type B injections to parotid and submandibular glands probably improves sialorrhoea and quality of life at up to 4 weeks compared to placebo injections, but not at 8 or 12 weeks after the injections (moderate-quality evidence from 1 placebo-controlled RCT, N = 20). The review authors found no trials of other approaches. Enteral tube feeding for supporting nutritionThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to support benefit or harms of enteral tube feeding in supporting nutrition in MND. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationIt is uncertain whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves disability or limitation in activity in MND in comparison with sham rTMS (3 RCTs, very low quality evidence, N = 50). Therapeutic exerciseThere is evidence that exercise may improve disability in MND at three months after the exercise programme, but not quality of life, in comparison with "usual activities" or "usual care" including stretching (2 RCTs, low-quality evidence, N = 43). Multidisciplinary careThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to demonstrate any benefit or harm for multidisciplinary care in MND.None of the reviews, other than the review of treatment for cramps, reported that adverse events occurred. However, the trials were too small for reliable adverse event reporting.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This overview has highlighted the lack of robust evidence in Cochrane Systematic Reviews on interventions to manage symptoms resulting from MND. It is important to recognise that clinical trials may fail to demonstrate efficacy of an intervention for reasons other than a true lack of efficacy, for example because of insufficient statistical power, the wrong choice of dose, insensitive outcome measures or inappropriate participant eligibility. The trials were mostly too small to reliably assess adverse effects of the treatments. The nature of MND makes it difficult to research clinically accepted or recommended practice, regardless of the level of evidence supporting the practice. It would not be ethical, for example, to design a placebo-controlled trial for treatment of pain in MND or to withhold multidisciplinary care where such care is available. It is therefore highly unlikely that there will ever be classically designed placebo-controlled RCTs in these areas.We need more research with appropriate study designs, robust methodology, and of sufficient duration to address the changing needs-of people with MND and their caregivers-associated with MND disease progression and mortality. There is a significant gap in studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions for symptoms relating to MND, such as pseudobulbar emotional lability and cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Future studies should use appropriate outcome measures that are reliable, have internal and external validity, and are sensitive to change in what is being measured (such as quality of life).

Diaphragm Dysfunction: Diagnostic Approaches and Management Strategies

The diaphragm is the main inspiratory muscle, and its dysfunction can lead to significant adverse clinical consequences. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with an overview of the main causes of uni- and bi-lateral diaphragm dysfunction, explore the clinical and physiological consequences of the disease on lung function, exercise physiology and sleep and review the available diagnostic tools used in the evaluation of diaphragm function. A particular emphasis is placed on the clinical significance of diaphragm weakness in the intensive care unit setting and the use of ultrasound to evaluate diaphragmatic action.

Respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular disease: current perspectives

Neuromuscular ventilatory weakness can be difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be nocturnal, nonspecific, or attributed to other conditions. The presence of respiratory muscle weakness suggests a number of possible heterogeneous conditions, including neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and genetic neuromuscular diseases. In some conditions, disease-modifying management exists, but in the absence of such intervention, supportive respiratory therapy can improve quality of life and survival. In this review, we discuss the differential diagnosis and diagnostic approach to chronic neuromuscular respiratory weakness. We also review the clinical assessment and management of respiratory failure in these conditions.

Prognostic Value of Initial Assessment of Residual Hypoventilation Using Nocturnal Capnography in Mechanically Ventilated Neuromuscular Patients: A 5-Year Follow-up Study

Background

Restrictive respiratory failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is used to treat hypoventilation, and its efficiency is mostly assessed by daytime blood gases or nocturnal oxygen saturation monitoring (SpO₂). Non-invasive transcutaneous measure of CO₂ (TcCO₂) allows to directly assess nocturnal hypercapnia and to detect residual hypoventilation with a higher sensitivity than SpO₂. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of nocturnal SpO₂ and TcCO₂ in ventilated adult NMD patients.

Methods

All consecutive capno-oximetries performed between 2010 and 2011 in ventilated adult NMD patients were analyzed retrospectively. Concomitant blood gas analysis and lung function data were collected. Patients on oxygen therapy were excluded. Nocturnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia (using four different definitions) at baseline were compared in their ability to predict mortality and respiratory events requiring ICU admission during follow-up.

Results

Data from 55 patients were analyzed (median age 28 [interquartile range: 25–36.5] years; 71% Duchenne muscular dystrophy; vital capacity 12 [7–27]% of predicted; 51% tracheostomy). Capno-oxymetry showed hypoxemia in 14.5% and hypercapnia in 12.7–41.8%, according to the used definition. Over a follow-up lasting up to 5 years (median 4.0 [3.6–4.5] years), we observed 12 deaths and 20 respiratory events requiring ICU admission. Hypercapnia was significantly associated with the study outcomes, with TcCO₂ > 49 mmHg during ≥10% of the time being the best definition, while hypoxemia was not.

Conclusion

Our data show for the first time that residual hypoventilation, assessed by capnometry, is significantly associated with negative outcomes in adult ventilated NMD patients, while oximetry is not. Accordingly, we suggest capnometry to be included in the systematic assessment of HMV efficiency in NMD patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02551406.

Adult‐onset Pompe's disease presenting with insidious hypercapnic respiratory failure

Orthopnoea is commonly attributed to heart failure but can be caused by diaphragm weakness, which, when severe, is often associated with hypercapnic respiratory failure. Bilateral diaphragm weakness is generally due to systemic nerve or muscle disease and usually occurs in the setting of severe generalized muscle weakness, but the diaphragm can be the initial or only muscle involved. Here, we report the case of a 39‐year‐old female who presented with slowly progressive orthopnoea and daytime somnolence. Pulmonary function studies and polysomnogram confirmed bilateral diaphragm weakness complicated by nocturnal hypoventilation and she was subsequently diagnosed with adult‐onset Pompe's disease, a rare metabolic myopathy.

Accuracy of tidal volume delivered by home mechanical ventilation during mouthpiece ventilation: A bench evaluation

The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy and reliability of currently available ventilators for mouthpiece ventilation (MPV). Five life-support home ventilators were assessed in a bench test using different settings simulating the specificities of MPV, such as intermittent circuit disconnection and presence of continuous leaks. The intermittent disconnection of the circuit caused relevant swings in the delivered tidal volume ( V_T), showing a V_T overshoot during the disconnection periods and a V_T decrease when the interface was reconnected to the test lung. The five ventilators showed substantial differences in the number of respiratory cycles necessary to reach a stable V_T in the volume-controlled setting, ranging from 1.3 ± 0.6 to 7.3 ± 1.2 cycles. These differences were less accentuated in the volume-assisted setting (MPV-dedicated mode, when available). Our data show large differences in the capacity of the different ventilators to deal with the rapidly changing respiratory load features that characterize MPV, which can be further accentuated according to the used ventilator setting. The dedicated MPV modes allow improvement in the performance of ventilators only in some defined situations. This has practical consequences for the choice of the ventilator to be used for MPV in a specific patient.

Natural History of Cardiac and Respiratory Involvement, Prognosis and Predictive Factors for Long-Term Survival in Adult Patients with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies Type 2C and 2D

BACKGROUND

Type 2C and 2D limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a group of autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophies manifested by proximal myopathy, impaired respiratory muscle function and cardiomyopathy. The correlation and the prognostic impact of respiratory and heart impairment are poorly described. We aimed to describe the long-term cardiac and respiratory follow-up of these patients and to determine predictive factors of cardio-respiratory events and mortality in LGMD 2C and 2D.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 34 LGMD patients, followed from 2005 to 2015, to obtain echocardiographic, respiratory function and sleep recording data. We considered respiratory events (acute respiratory failure, pulmonary sepsis, atelectasis or pneumothorax), cardiac events (acute heart failure, significant cardiac arrhythmia or conduction block, ischemic stroke) and mortality as outcomes of interest for the present analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients had type 2C LGMD and 13 patients had type 2D. Median age was 30 years [IQR 24-38]. At baseline, median pulmonary vital capacity (VC) was 31% of predicted value [20-40]. Median maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was 31 cmH2O [IQR 20.25-39.75]. Median maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was 30 cm H2O [20-36]. Median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 55% [45-64] with 38% of patients with LVEF <50%. Over a median follow-up of 6 years, we observed 38% respiratory events, 14% cardiac events and 20% mortality. Among baseline characteristics, LVEF and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were associated with mortality, whilst respiratory parameters (VC, MIP, MEP) and the need for home mechanical ventilation (HMV) were associated with respiratory events.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of severely respiratory impaired type 2C and 2D LGMD, respiratory morbidity was high. Cardiac dysfunction was frequent in particular in LGMD 2C and had an impact on long-term mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02501083.