Abstract
Background
From the moment the respiratory muscle groups are affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respiratory complications will be the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated respiratory muscle impairment leads to respiratory insufficiency and additionally to difficulties in airway secretion clearance. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the first choice in treating respiratory insufficiency in ALS as it improves sleep-related symptoms, quality of life and life expectancy. Nevertheless, NIV is not always effective, probably due to bulbar dysfunction or anatomical abnormalities. As a result, tracheostomy ventilation (TV) may become necessary.
Methods
In this case report, we present a 60-year-old female with ALS, for whom it was not possible to provide a sufficient tidal volume with NIV. A chin lift was performed while the patient was awake to see if a more anterior jaw position would lead to an increased tidal volume. As this was the case, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) was fabricated.
Results
With a combination of a MAD and NIV, the upper airway obstructions were overcome and a good ventilation and adherence to therapy were seen.
Conclusions
When there is the presumption of airway obstructions in combination with an ineffective NIV, we advise to perform a chin lift to assess whether the obstructions can be overcome by a more anterior jaw position. If that is the case, NIV may be combined with MAD to establish effective ventilation and avoid the use of TV.
References
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Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Consent
Informed consent of the patient was obtained, and she did agree to use photographs of her combination of NIV and MAD.
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Veldhuis, S.K.B., Doff, M.H.J., Stegenga, B. et al. Oral appliance to assist non-invasive ventilation in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sleep Breath 19, 61–63 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-014-1021-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-014-1021-x