Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disease

Respiratory failure is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with progressive neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) [1–4]. The wide variety of NMDs that can affect respiratory function are listed in Table 32.1. NMDs are often complicated by progressive involvement of the respiratory muscles and can lead to both chronic and acute respiratory failure (ARF). Reduced inspiratory muscle strength can result in ineffective alveolar ventilation, and weakness of expiratory muscles can lead to inadequate clearance of airway secretions. Thus, these conditions can cause chronic respiratory failure as well as potentially life-threatening problems [5–10].