Optimum insufflation capacity and peak cough flow in neuromuscular disorders.

Rationale: For patients with neuromuscular disorders, lung insufflation with positive pressure is an accepted technique to increase inspiratory volume over VC to improve peak cough flow (PCF).

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the pressure or volume required to achieve the highest individual PCF.

Methods: In 40 patients dependent on noninvasive ventilation (VC, 16 ± 11% predicted; age, 20 ± 4 yr) and in 20 healthy control subjects, insufflation capacity (IC) was measured during titration from 10 to maximum 40 mbar using intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or the lung insufflation assist maneuver (LIAM) of the VENTIlogic LS ventilator.