Mechanical ventilation in neuromuscular disorders- A review

Abstract

Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are a group of disorders characterised by weakness of muscles and may have a slow and progressing alveolar hypoventilation leading to the ventilatory failure. It may necessitate initiation of mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive ventilation is the method of choice. Invasive mechanical ventilation is indicated when noninvasive mechanical ventilation fails. Tracheostomy is the airway of choice for invasive mechanical ventilation. Endotracheal intubation is used only as an emergency airway or when reversible causes of acute respiratory failure are being considered. This article details ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disorders.