2006 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
MAXIMAL INSPIRATORY PRESSURE AS AN INDICATOR FOR EARLY INITIATION OF NPPV IN ALS PATIENTS
Mario Gonzalez MD, Erika
Simpson MD, Stanley Appel MD, Michael Bocci RRT,
Mary Barnes CRT, Peggy
Ingels Allred PT,
Brian Gaden RRT, Brian Timon RRT, Mickey
Wells RRT, Ken D. Hargett, RRT,
The
Background:
The early use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is associated with improved
quality of life and survival. Current American Association of Neurology and
Methods: 152
patients with a diagnosis of definite or probable ALS were studied in our ALS
clinic. Forced vital capacity and maximal inspiratory pressures were measured
with standardized technique and the studies were interpreted by the clinic
board certified pulmonologist. Disease disability was assessed with the Appel
ALS rating scale at the time of testing. EMG studies of the diaphragm were
performed for a sub-set of patients. Correlation analysis of study variables
were performed with linear regression and
Results: 126
patients had both FVC and MIP measured during the study period (39% females,
31% bulbar). The average AALS score was 81 with a range of 109 to 53 at the
time of study and disease duration of 35 months. The mean FVC was 71% with a
range of 97% to 45%. The mean MIP was 46cmH2O with a range of 72 to 20 cmH2O.
FVC and MIP significantly correlated with the lower MIP associated with lower
FVC (p<0.0001; r=0.63). However, 61%
of patients with FVC > 70% had MIP < 60 cmH2O. 98% of patients with FVC
< 70% had MIP < 60 cmH20. Over all 26% of patients with a FVC of > 50%
had a MIP < 60cmH2O. 93% of patients
with a FVC of < 50% had a MIP < 60 cmH2O.
Conclusion:
Respiratory dysfunction as measured by MIP is present in 25% of ALS patients
who would not otherwise meet current "standard of care" guidelines for NPPV.
Our data indicates that greater than 50% of the patients with a FVC > 70%
had evidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction as measured by MIP < 60 cmH2O. MIP
appears to be a more sensitive indicator of diaphragm weakness in ALS patients
and provides the basis for earlier initiation of NPPV. Polysomnographic sleep
studies should be performed to determine accurate pressure settings for NPPV.
Additional studies should be performed to determine if earlier intervention
based on these criteria result in improved quality of life and extended
survival.