[A comparative study between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with and without mechanical ventilation].

Fifty-three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were examined as to duration of illness, cause of death and need for respirator assistance. In 47 patients with ALS, respiratory failure is the most common cause of death accounting for 62% of all fatalities. Eleven patients with mechanical ventilation died of pneumonia and respiratory failure in four cases, atelectasis, gastrointestinal bleeding and asphyxia in one. Thirteen of 53 patients with ALS required mechanical ventilation. Six cases were put on a volume-limited respiratory or a pressure-limited respirator with O2 blender, and seven cases were put on a pressure-limited respirator only, which was unable to control oxygen concentration. As to the duration of their illness, patients with mechanical ventilation survived significantly longer than those without mechanical ventilation, so patients using a respirator could expect to live significantly longer than those without one. Patients using a volume limited respirator or a pressure-limited respirator with O2 blender had significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation than those using a pressure-limited respirator only. It is concluded that a volume-limited respirator or a pressure-limited respirator with O2 blender is useful, if mechanical ventilation is needed, for ALS patients presenting with respiratory failure.