Self-Management of Nocturnal Respiratory Insufficiency with a Portable Ventilator “Pneu-PAC” by an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient

Abstract

A 76-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was admitted to our hospital because of progressive exertional dyspnea (PaCO2=68.5 torr, PaO2=62.5 torr). He was put on mechanical ventilation, and thereafter sleep apnea of a central type was recognized. After improvement of general conditions, a portable ventilator “Pneu-PAC” was used for the self-management of nocturnal respiratory insufficiency. A portable ventilator might be of clinical benefit for the management of a patient with neuromuscular disorder whose activities of daily living are still functional. © 1991, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.