[Prospective study of the quality of life in intermittent self-ventilation]

Abstract

Patients and method: We assessed quality of life for 17 patients (age 14 to 74 years) before and during intermittent (nightly) nasal home mechanical ventilation with a standardized questionnaire (SF 36, Medical Outcomes Trust, Boston, USA). Underlying diseases were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, bronchiectasis, kyphoscoliosis, pulmonary emphysema, muscular dystrophy and sequelae of tuberculosis. Blood gas and lung function data were collected during every examination.

Results: We observed statistically significant increases for items of general health, mental health, vitality and capillary oxygen partial pressure.

Conclusion: The SF 36 allows to assess quality of life for patients under intermittent mechanical ventilation at home.