Noninvasive mechanical ventilation and corrective surgery for treatment of a child with severe kyphoscoliosis.

We report on an 11-year-old boy with severe kyphoscoliosis and respiratory failure. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation by nasal mask and hospitalization resulted in improved pulmonary function, thus facilitating corrective surgery for kyphoscoliosis. Following surgery, the patient remained on mechanical ventilation at home. Clinical and pulmonary function stabilized after discharge, as noted on a 1-month follow-up visit.