Assessing Inspiratory Muscle Strength for Early Detection of Respiratory Failure in Motor Neuron Disease: Should We Use MIP, SNIP, or Both?

Background: Motor neuron disease (MND) invariably impacts on inspiratory muscle strength leading to respiratory failure. Regular assessment of sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) and/or maximal mouth inspiratory pressure (MIP) contributes to early detection of a requirement for ventilatory support.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility, agreement, and performance of both tests in MND.

[Access to palliative care: which barriers for which patients?].

Palliative care was shown to be beneficial but too few patients have access to it. Barriers are a bad identification of patients, and a lack of knowledge as to their needs and the way palliative care can provide for them. There are communication difficulties.