[Intermittent self-ventilation in torsion scoliosis. Possibilities and limits].

BACKGROUND

In patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure due to restrictive lung diseases home mechanical ventilation leads to improvement of daytime blood gases and symptoms. In this paper we regard the possible pitfalls and complications associated with intermittent mechanical ventilation in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

From 1990 to 1994 we treated 30 patients suffering from severe kyphoscoliosis with home mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

1. As our cases show in the prehospital phase before initiating home mechanical ventilation there is still room for the outpatient pneumologists to improve their knowledge and awareness of symptoms and treatment of chronic respiratory failure. 2. In the subsequent inpatient phase and specialised center must be aware and experienced in regarding possible problems inherent with home mechanical ventilation. 3. After discharge during chronic home mechanical ventilation a good cooperation between the center, patient, relatives, general services and general pulmolgists is necessary. The centers should offer training courses for the caring persons and general pneumologists.