RATIONALE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease that involves limb, axial, bulbar, and respiratory muscles. Fatigue and weakness of the respiratory muscles eventually induce respiratory insufficiency, which is one of the main causes of death in patients with ALS. In ALS patients with respiratory insufficiency, application of a ventilator is indis...

Background: Paraquat poisoning is a medical emergency challenge due to its inherent severe toxicity and unavailability of specific antidote for it. In this paper, a series of patients who were treated according to a commonly used treatment flowchart are presented. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on paraquat poisoned patients admitted to District Hospital, Chamaraj...

Respiratory impairment results from primary disease of the lungs / airways or from impairment of the respiratory muscles. The proper identification of the respiratory impairment allows for proper management to decrease morbidity and mortality. Patients with neuromuscular impairment typically have hypoventilation or ventilator insufficiency/failure resulting in hypercapnia, hypoxia and an ineffe...

Respiratory complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Treatment of respiratory insufficiency with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improves ALS patients' quality of life and survival. Evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of ALS patients recommend treatment of respiratory insufficiency with NIV as well as consideration of in...