Cost and physician effort analysis of invasive vs. noninvasive respiratory management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Background: Continuous tracheostomy mechanical ventilation users with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are institutionalized or have home nursing services (licensed practical nurse/registered nurse), whereas patients dependent on continuous noninvasive ventilatory support (CNVS) can avoid hospitalizations and publically paid services.

Design And Objective: This is a retrospective analysis comparing cost and physician effort for managing CNVS and continuous tracheostomy mechanical ventilation users with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Results: Compared with ongoing personal care, physician services and intercurrent hospitalization costs were negligible.