Indications for Ventilatory Support in Patient with a Myopathy

 

Indications:

(1) presence of one or more signs or symptoms

(2) abnormal pulmonary function testing

 

Abnormal signs and symptoms indicating sleep disordered breathing:

(1) nightmares

(2) morning headache

(3) daytime drowsiness

 

Abnormal signs and symptoms of hypoxemia:

(1) generalized fatigue

(2) dyspnea at rest

(3) orthopnea

(4) paradoxical breathing pattern

 

Abnormal pulmonary function testing:

(1) hypercapnea

(2) vital capacity < 45-55% of predicted for age and gender

(3) maximal inspiratory pressure < 30% of predicted