[3-years' domiciliary respirator therapy in idiopathic hypoventilation syndrome (ondine's curse syndrome) (author's transl)].

A 67 years old patient with a tracheostomy and cribral cannula on account of severe idiopathic hypoventilation syndrome was discharged from the intensive care unit having been supplied with a respirator (MK 8-Bird) and compressor by his health insurance. The domiciliary respirator therapy was continued for more than 3 years. The disorder manifested itself initially in severe hypoventilation during sleep, acute hypoxaemia, hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. The patient himself and his family took on the adjustment and maintenance of the respirator, having being appropriately trained before his discharge from hospital. The treatment succeeded for over 3 years in maintaining an acceptable quality of life for the patient.