Respiratory failure and its care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

摘要: Respiratory failure is the major cause of death in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this report we retrospectively examined clinical courses, pulmonary function, progression scoliosis and time assisted ventilation. Forty nine patients, aged 2 to 27 years were studied thirty eight them twice some intervals. The subjects examinations included function studies consisting spirometry, measurement thoracic measured according method Cobb room air arterial blood gas values. results following; 1) decline percentage values vital capacity (%VC) began at age 8 or 9 decreased consistently age. Finally %VC reached under 10 percent mean 21.53 respiratory failure. 2) Thoracic increased further advancing greater angle curvature, more likely development 3) Sixteen received negative pressure ventilator (chest respirator: CR) between 16.5 25.1 Twelve used part-time (mainly night-time) four it full-time. average PaCO2 PaO2 before administration 67.49 mmHg 71.46 mmHg, respectively. levels after ventilation 58.01 (PaCO2) 82.09 (PaO2).