Improvement of Peak Cough Flow After the Application of a Mechanical In-exsufflator in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease and Pneumonia: A Pilot Study.

Objective: To investigate and demonstrate persistent increase of peak cough flow after mechanical in-exsufflator application, in patients with neuromuscular diseases and pneumonia.

Methods: A mechanical in-exsufflator was applied with patients in an upright or semi-upright sitting position (pressure setting, +40 and -40 cmH2O; in-exsufflation times, 2-3 and 1-2 seconds, respectively). Patients underwent five cycles, with 20-30 second intervals to prevent hyperventilation.

Correlation of Serum Creatine Kinase Level With Pulmonary Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum creatine kinase (CK) level and pulmonary function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods: A total of 202 patients with DMD admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital were enrolled from January 1, 1999 to March 31, 2015. Seventeen patients were excluded.