Long-term effects of nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation on pulmonary function and sleep architecture in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Study Objective: This article evaluates the long-term clinical and physiologic effects of nocturnal nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in patients with neuromuscular disease.

Methods: Before and after 18 +/- 2 months of NIPPV, we measured during the daytime arterial blood gases, lung mechanics, and respiratory muscle strength in 8 patients (51 +/- 5 years; mean +/- SEM). Sleep parameters were also evaluated at 10 +/- 2 months.