[Initiation and management of home mechanical ventilation]

[Follow-up and management of non-invasive home mechanical ventilation]

Efficacy and tolerance of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) must be assessed by using objective criteria (clinical evaluation, arterial blood gases, oxymetry, and research of side effects such as air leaks, skin problems, etc). In this article, we describe a procedure for long-term follow-up of home NIV. We also suggest an algorithm using available polygraphic tools to ascertain causes of NIV failure, in order to correct them.

[Long term domiciliary mechanical ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disease (indications, establishment and follow up)]

Neuromuscular diseases represent a heterogeneous group of pathologies which common feature is the development of a restrictive ventilatory failure.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory insufficiency of neuromuscular origin manifests itself by functional symptoms that must be carefully searched for in the history, such as headaches, sleep disorders, or dyspnoea of effort, sometimes very mild, or in severe cases associated with orthopnoea. Follow up should be multi-disciplinary. On the respiratory level regular measurement of blood gases, vital capacity, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures as well as sleep studies, will detect the criteria for mechanical ventilation (hypercarbia > 45 mm Hg, nocturnal desaturation < 88%, vital capacity < 60%, PImax < 60 cm H2O).

STATE OF THE ART

The establishment of mechanical ventilation is a major decision for patients with neuromuscular disease because of the important physical, psychological, social and sometimes financial consequences. The patients and their family must be instructed precisely in order to obtain the best possible observation and compliance. The establishment requires a stay in hospital of several days to optimise the choice of ventilator, its settings, and connections. The link with the organisation managing the domiciliary ventilation is fundamental in ensuring follow up after discharge from hospital. Techniques of cough assistance must be taught to each neuromuscular patient requiring mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Ventilation of neuromuscular patients requires careful evaluation of the indications and rigorous follow up by a multidisciplinary team with wide experience of this type of disease.

[Removal of a tracheostomy in ventilator-dependent patients with neuromuscular disease]

BACKGROUND

Ventilation via a tracheostomy is effective but very restricting in patients with neuromuscular disease. Return to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is possible but this is not common practice, partly for want of standardised procedures ensuring a safe transition.

METHODS

A procedure for transfer of ventilation via a tracheostomy to a mask has been developed based on the literature and local experience (feasibility of NIV, absence of laryngo-tracheal lesions, adequate leak compensation, effective cough). It has been tested in three patients with severe but stable neuromuscular disorders (chronic polyneuropathy in two cases and progressive spinal amyotrophy on one).

RESULTS

The three patients were able to be extubated and established on domiciliary ventilation in 6,7 and 10 days, at the end of which all were discharged home. After 4 months in two cases and 6 months in the other no significant complications developed, the respiratory status under NIV was comparable to that previously under tracheostomy and the patients were satisfied with the change.

CONCLUSION

The proposed algorithm seems to permit a rapid and safe transition from a tracheostomy to a mask. Large scale studies are needed to verify this concept and subsequently to identify within which group a similar approach may be correctly applied.