Waveforms Analysis in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for Enhanced Efficacy of Mechanically Assisted Coughing.

Background: Effectiveness of mechanical assisted coughing with insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) depends largely on severity of bulbar dysfunction, which can generate different upper-airway responses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of graphs generated by MI-E in ALS to detect airway obstruction and set parameters to achieve an effective mechanically assisted coughing.

Methods: This was a prospective study enrolling patients with ALS.

ROX index as predictor of high flow nasal cannula therapy success in acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2.

Background: High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy is useful treatment in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). The ROX index (ratio of pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen to respiratory rate) has been evaluated to predict success of HFNC in patients with pneumonia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the ROX Index could predict HFNC therapy success in patients with ARF due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Effect of one-year dextromethorphan/quinidine treatment on management of respiratory impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Unlabelled: Treatment with Dextromethorphan/Quinidine (DM/Q) has demonstrated benefit on pseudobulbar affect and bulbar function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to assess whether DM/Q could provide long-term improvement in bulbar function and thereby prolong noninvasive respiratory management in ALS.

Materials And Methods: This prospective, case-cohort study, recruited ALS patients with bulbar dysfunction.

Tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: predictors and clinical features.

Background: Around 20% of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 need mechanical ventilation (MV). MV may be prolonged, thus warranting tracheostomy.

Methods: Observational cohort study enrolling patients admitted due to COVID-19.

Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation With Oscillations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Home Ventilation via Tracheostomy.

Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) applied via tracheostomy tubes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are on home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy is an effective procedure for respiratory secretion management. Nonetheless, tenacious secretions may remain and increase the risk of respiratory infections. The aim of this study was to determine whether adding oscillations to MI-E could reduce the rate of respiratory infections and the need for bronchoscopy to remove secretions in patients with ALS on home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy.