Management of respiration in MND/ALS patients: an evidence based review

Triclustering-based classification of longitudinal data for prognostic prediction: targeting relevant clinical endpoints in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This work proposes a new class of explainable prognostic models for longitudinal data classification using triclusters. A new temporally constrained triclustering algorithm, termed TCtriCluster, is proposed to comprehensively find informative temporal patterns common to a subset of patients in a subset of features (triclusters), and use them as discriminative features within a state-of-the-art classifier with guarantees of interpretability. The proposed approach further enhances prediction with the potentialities of model explainability by revealing clinically relevant disease progression patterns underlying prognostics, describing features used for classification. The proposed methodology is used in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Portuguese cohort (N = 1321), providing the first comprehensive assessment of the prognostic limits of five notable clinical endpoints: need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV); need for an auxiliary communication device; need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG); need for a caregiver; and need for a wheelchair. Triclustering-based predictors outperform state-of-the-art alternatives, being able to predict the need for auxiliary communication device (within 180 days) and the need for PEG (within 90 days) with an AUC above 90%. The approach was validated in clinical practice, supporting healthcare professionals in understanding the link between the highly heterogeneous patterns of ALS disease progression and the prognosis.

Learning prognostic models using a mixture of biclustering and triclustering: Predicting the need for non-invasive ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Longitudinal cohort studies to study disease progression generally combine temporal features produced under periodic assessments (clinical follow-up) with static features associated with single-time assessments, genetic, psychophysiological, and demographic profiles. Subspace clustering, including biclustering and triclustering stances, enables the discovery of local and discriminative patterns from such multidimensional cohort data. These patterns, highly interpretable, are relevant to identifying groups of patients with similar traits or progression patterns. Despite their potential, their use for improving predictive tasks in clinical domains remains unexplored. In this work, we propose to learn predictive models from static and temporal data using discriminative patterns, obtained via biclustering and triclustering, as features within a state-of-the-art classifier, thus enhancing model interpretation. triCluster is extended to find time-contiguous triclusters in temporal data (temporal patterns) and a biclustering algorithm to discover coherent patterns in static data. The transformed data space, composed of bicluster and tricluster features, capture local and cross-variable associations with discriminative power, yielding unique statistical properties of interest. As a case study, we applied our methodology to follow-up data from Portuguese patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to predict the need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) since the last appointment. The results showed that, in general, our methodology outperformed baseline results using the original features. Furthermore, the bicluster/tricluster-based patterns used by the classifier can be used by clinicians to understand the models by highlighting relevant prognostic patterns.

Learning dynamic Bayesian networks from time-dependent and time-independent data: Unraveling disease progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease causing patients to quickly lose motor neurons. The disease is characterized by a fast functional impairment and ventilatory decline, leading most patients to die from respiratory failure. To estimate when patients should get ventilatory support, it is helpful to adequately profile the disease progression. For this purpose, we use dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs), a machine learning model, that graphically represents the conditional dependencies among variables. However, the standard DBN framework only includes dynamic (time-dependent) variables, while most ALS datasets have dynamic and static (time-independent) observations. Therefore, we propose the sdtDBN framework, which learns optimal DBNs with static and dynamic variables. Besides learning DBNs from data, with polynomial-time complexity in the number of variables, the proposed framework enables the user to insert prior knowledge and to make inference in the learned DBNs. We use sdtDBNs to study the progression of 1214 patients from a Portuguese ALS dataset. First, we predict the values of every functional indicator in the patients' consultations, achieving results competitive with state-of-the-art studies. Then, we determine the influence of each variable in patients' decline before and after getting ventilatory support. This insightful information can lead clinicians to pay particular attention to specific variables when evaluating the patients, thus improving prognosis. The case study with ALS shows that sdtDBNs are a promising predictive and descriptive tool, which can also be applied to assess the progression of other diseases, given time-dependent and time-independent clinical observations.

Reflexive Airway Sensorimotor Responses in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Progressive motor denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to reduced expiratory cough flow and diminished airway clearance physiologic capacity. Although ALS is thought to primarily impact motor systems, preliminary data from our laboratory suggest degradation of afferent pathways that regulate reflexive cough responses to radiographically confirmed aspiration. We, therefore, aimed to delineate both sensory and motor responses to a tussigenic airway irritant in individuals with ALS compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

Thirty-two individuals with ALS and 34 healthy age and gender-matched controls completed reflex cough testing. Capsaicin stimuli (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 μM) were presented in a randomized three-block design and motor (cough spirometry metrics) and sensory (patient-rated urge to cough, UtC) ratings collected. ALS patients underwent videofluoroscopy with penetration-aspiration ratings completed. Descriptives, Mann-Whitney U, and mixed models ANOVAs were performed.

RESULTS

Sensory: Individuals with ALS demonstrated greater UtC sensitivity slopes (i.e., increased stimulus sensitivity) vs. healthy controls (p = 0.036). Within the ALS group, however, silent aspirators (PAS = 8) demonstrated blunted UtC sensitivity slopes compared to ALS patients who did not (PAS ≤ 7, p = 0.0001). Motor: Compared to healthy controls, ALS individuals demonstrated reduced peak expiratory flow rates (p = 0.004), longer peak expiratory rise time (p = 0.017), and lower cough volume acceleration (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

ALS individuals demonstrated increased sensitivity to an upper airway irritant; however, they demonstrated slower and weaker expiratory cough motor output compared to healthy controls. In ALS silent aspirators, blunted sensorimotor responses were observed, suggesting that sensory degradation may occur at the final or most severe stage of bulbar disease progression.

Healthcare Professionals’ Views on the provision of Gastrostomy and Noninvasive Ventilation to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Gastrostomy and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are recommended interventions for the management of symptoms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to quantify the views of a range of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the provision of these interventions in the United Kingdom. A total of 177 HCPs participated in an online survey. Significant differences were found between medical and allied HCPs’ views on: whether HCPs adhere to policy and accept legal constraints when it comes to making gastrostomy available to people with ALS; the impressions that HCPs receive of the way patients and caregivers understand the effects of gastrostomy and NIV on symptoms and quality of life; and the challenges HCPs face when caring for patients who have refused gastrostomy. More widely available guidelines for the provision of gastrostomy and advice on the best way to impart information to patients and caregivers about gastrostomy and NIV appear to be needed.

Decision-Making for Gastrostomy and Ventilatory Support for People with Motor Neurone Disease: Variations across Uk Hospices

Interventions, such as the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), are used in the management of people with motor neurone disease with the aim of improving quality of life and relieving symptoms. However, the number of people receiving these interventions varies across the UK. This study has looked at the involvement and knowledge of consultants, within specialist palliative care services, with these procedures, to ascertain if there were differences in attitudes to their use. Twenty-two consultants took part in a telephone audit. There appeared to be great variation in their involvement in and knowledge of the use of these interventions. The majority of services were involved in the care of people with MND, but often only in the terminal stages. There appears to be a need for the wider application of guidelines on the use of PEG and NIV, as well as the development of a collaborative approach with other services, including neurology and rehabilitation services.

Combined respiratory training in an individual with C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This case study examined the impact of a respiratory strength training program targeting inspiratory and expiratory musculature in an individual with C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The individual tolerated 24 months of respiratory training completed at home, 50 repetitions per day, and 5 days per week. Significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure (from 71 to 134 centimeters of water), maximum expiratory pressure (from 108 to 197 centimeters of water) and peak cough flow (from 331 to 655 Liters per minute) were noted and forced vital capacity remained unchanged. A moderate intensity respiratory strength training program applied early in the disease progression improved function in this C9orf72 ALS individual.

Respiratory measures in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes skeletal muscle weakness, including muscles involved with respiration. Death often results from respiratory failure within 3-5 years. Monitoring respiratory status is therefore critical to ALS management, as respiratory/pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are used to make decisions including when to initiate noninvasive ventilation. Understanding the different respiratory and PFTs as they relate to disease progression and survival may help determine which tests are most suitable.

METHODS

This review describes the tests used to assess respiratory muscle and pulmonary function in patients with ALS and the correlations between different respiratory measures and clinical outcomes measures.

RESULTS

The most commonly used measurement, forced vital capacity (VC), has been shown to correlate with clinical milestones including survival, but also requires good motor coordination and facial strength to form a tight seal around a mouthpiece. Other tests such as slow VC, sniff inspiratory pressure, or transdiaphragmatic pressure with magnetic stimulation are also associated with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, how and when to use different tests remains unclear. Understanding how each test relates to disease progression and survival may help determine which is best suited for specific clinical decisions.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy under conscious sedation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is safe: an observational study

OBJECTIVES

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness with respiratory and swallowing dysfunction, eventually leading to death. Permanent enteral feeding is indicated in almost all patients. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is considered the first choice, usually performed under conscious sedation (intravenous midazolam). Guidelines are very cautious with respect to sedation in ALS because of the risk for respiratory complications. In our tertiary referral hospital, conscious sedation has been used for many years.Our aim was to review 30-day complications in PEG performed under conscious sedation in ALS patients (without noninvasive positive pressure ventilation during the procedure).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review, including all ALS patients undergoing PEG under conscious sedation from October 2009 to April 2016, was performed.

RESULTS

Analysis included 45 (44% men) patients receiving intravenous midazolam sedation (mean dose 5 mg) during PEG placement, age 36-91 years (mean: 68.7 years). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was 24-116% (mean 68%), of which mild to moderate dysfunction (FVC 50-69%) was present in 42.2% of patients and (very) severe dysfunction (FVC <50%) in 8.8%. No respiratory complications (e.g. aspiration pneumonia) were observed. Other complications, for example, infection, bleeding and peritonitis occurred in, respectively, 8.9, 2.2 and 0%. Mean survival after PEG placement was 13.4 months (range: 1-45 months).

CONCLUSION

Conscious sedation during PEG insertion in ALS patients did not lead to respiratory complications or to an increase in other complications. Our data indicate that conscious sedation can be used safely in ALS patients with mild to moderate pulmonary dysfunction.

The interaction between breathing and swallowing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The aim of the study is to determine the association between respiratory swallow patterns in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Furthermore, it aims to clarify the role of the dysphagia limit in defining the relationship between swallowing disorders and respiratory disorders. Functional rating scales were used to describe swallowing and respiratory function. Swallowing was observed using the dysphagia limit. Dysphagia limit is the volume at which a second or more swallows are required to swallow the whole bolus. Laryngeal and chest movement sensors, pulmonary function tests, submental, and diaphragm electromyography activity were used to evaluate the relationship between swallowing and respiratory phase. Of the 27 patients included in the study, 14 were dysphagic and 13 were non-dysphagic. Tests showed normal respiratory function in 11 of the non-dysphagic patients and 3 of the dysphagic patients. There was a high correlation between the dysphagia limit and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale swallowing parameters. Non-dysphagic patients were able to swallow during inspiration but only six patients in the dysphagic group were able to swallow during inspiration. The occurrence of dysphagia in ALS is related to piecemeal deglutition and respiration consistency during swallowing. Detecting the timing of disturbances in the relationship between swallowing and respiration may be a way of identifying dysphagia. Dysphagia limit may be a useful, complementary test for assessing swallowing disturbances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Reference Range of Respiratory Muscle Strength and Its Clinical Application in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Single-Center Study

Background and Purpose

Evaluating respiratory function is important in neuromuscular diseases. This study explored the reference ranges of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) in healthy adults, and applied them to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods

MIP, MEP, and SNIP were measured in 67 healthy volunteers aged from 21 to 82 years. Reference ranges were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis using the generalized additive modeling of location, scale, and shape method. Thirty-six ALS patients were reviewed retrospectively, and abnormal values of MIP, MEP, and SNIP were determined according to the reference ranges.

Results

MIP, MEP, and SNIP were abnormal in 57.1%, 51.4%, and 25.7% of the ALS patients, respectively. MIP and SNIP were significantly correlated with the degree of restrictive pattern and respiratory symptoms. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised score was correlated with SNIP.

Conclusions

This study has provided the reference range of respiratory muscle strength in healthy adults. This range is suitable for evaluating respiratory function in ALS patients.

Breathing new life into treatment advances for respiratory failure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

SUMMARY In the last three decades, improvements in respiratory management are responsible for increasing survival and improving quality of life for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Nowadays, ALS patients with respiratory involvement are offered a support treatment other than the traditional respiratory palliative care. Knowledge about available respiratory support potentialities is essential for appropriate, customized and effective treatment of ALS, which should probably be started sooner than the conventional approach. There is evidence supporting that respiratory support has a larger impact than riluzole on survival. Noninvasive ventilation is essential in the treatment of ALS patients with respiratory involvement. In this article methods to determine respiratory failure in ALS, mechanical invasive and noninvasive ventilation, telemetry, diaphragm pacing, cough aids and respiratory exercise are reviewed, after a brief overlook of respiratory insufficiency in ALS.

Quality improvement in neurology: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis quality measures: report of the quality measurement and reporting subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons.(1) Patients with ALS lose function in the limbs, speech, swallowing, and breathing muscles. The cause of the disease is still not known for most patients. Approximately 25,000 people in the United States have ALS, and 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS annually in the United States.(1) Most patients die from respiratory failure 2 to 5 years after onset of symptoms. Cognitive dysfunction is seen in 20% to 50% of patients.(2) The disease burden for patients and caregivers is enormous. The average cost of care has been estimated at $50,000 per patient per year.(3.)

WITHDRAWN: Non-pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases

This review is now out of date although it is correct as of the date of publication [Issue 2, 2008]. The authors are developing a new protocol which will replace this review. Publication of the protocol is expected in 2014, and serves to update the existing review and incorporate the latest evidence into a new Cochrane Review. The latest version of this review (available in 'Other versions' tab on The Cochrane Library) may still be useful to readers until the new review is published.

In 2016, the replacement review titled 'Non‐pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in advanced stages of malignant and non‐malignant diseases' was deregistered and split into four separate reviews of individual interventions: Respiratory interventions for breathlessness in adults with advanced diseases; Physical interventions for breathlessness in adults with advanced diseases; Cognitive‐emotional interventions for breathlessness in adults with advanced diseases; Multi‐dimensional interventions for breathlessness in adults with advanced diseases.

At September 2020, these replacement titles were deregistered (Multi‐dimensional interventions) or the protocols withdrawn (Cognitive‐emotional interventions; Multi‐dimensional interventions; Respiratory interventions) as they did not meet Cochrane standards or expectations.

The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.

The initiation of non-invasive ventilation for patients with motor neuron disease: patient and carer perceptions of obstacles and outcomes

This study aimed to examine the experiences of patients with motor neuron disease and their carers following the recommendation to use non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Qualitative interviews were carried out with 20 patients and 17 carers within one month of NIV being initiated. The study identified a range of potential barriers to usage including: adverse impressions of the technology; sleep disturbance; the sensation of pressure and pulsing; dry mouth; and mask design issues. Patients/carers perceived benefits related to: increased energy; improved sleeping; enhanced carer well-being; improved breathing and increased speech clarity. A key factor described by patients and carers was the need to persevere to overcome the challenges associated with early NIV use. The study highlights the importance of patient perceptions of gains as a factor in their NIV usage decisions. While recognizing that older individuals with limb-onset disease were over-represented in the sample, key recommendations from the study are: availability of easily accessible in-person support for patients; for clinicians to pre-empt potential obstacles by discussing options such as humidification or alternative mask interfaces; the importance of discussing potential benefits in detail with patients; and optimization of secretion management prior to NIV trial.

Cognition, behavior, and respiratory function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective. To examine the relationship between respiratory functioning and neuropsychological performance, mood, and frontal-lobe-mediated behaviors in ALS patients. Methods. Forty-four patients with probable or definite ALS (El Escorial criteria) completed comprehensive pulmonary and neuropsychological assessments as part of their baseline neurological evaluation. Based on their full vital respiratory capacity, 24 and 20 patients were classified as having impaired or intact respiration, respectively. Results. Comparable demographic characteristics, neuropsychological performance, and self-reported mood symptoms were found between ALS patients with intact versus impaired respiration. However, more respiratory-impaired patients were reported by their caregivers as having clinically significant impairments in frontal-lobe-mediated behaviors. Nevertheless, declines in behavior were evidenced from pre- to post-ALS symptom onset for both respiratory groups, and exploratory analyses revealed greater executive functioning deficits in patients with bulbar versus limb onset as well as respiratory-impaired patients not receiving pulmonary interventions versus those utilizing such interventions at the time of testing. Conclusions. Results suggest that the respiratory insufficiency of ALS patients may potentially produce irreversible deficits in executive functioning; yet once treated, impairments in more basic cognitive abilities may be less evident.

The use of full-setting non-invasive ventilation in the home care of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-motor neuron disease with end-stage respiratory muscle failure: a case series

Introduction

Little has been written about the use of non-invasive ventilation in the home care of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-motor neuron disease patients with end-stage respiratory muscle failure. Nocturnal use of non-invasive ventilation has been reported to improve daytime blood gases but continuous non-invasive ventilation dependence has not been studied in this regard. There continues to be great variation by country, economics, physician interest and experience, local concepts of palliation, hospice requirements, and resources available for home care. We report a case series of home-based amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-motor neuron disease patients who refused tracheostomy and advanced non-invasive ventilation to full-setting, while maintaining normal alveolar ventilation and oxygenation in the course of the disease. Since this topic has been presented in only one center in the United States and nowhere else, it is appropriate to demonstrate that this can be done in other countries as well.

Case presentation

We present here the cases of three Caucasian patients (a 51-year-old Caucasian man, a 45-year-old Caucasian woman and a 57-year-old Caucasian woman) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who developed continuous non-invasive ventilation dependence for 15 to 27 months without major complications and were able to maintain normal CO₂ and pulse oxyhemoglobin saturation despite a non-measurable vital capacity. All patients were wheelchair-dependent and receiving riluzole 50 mg twice a day. Patient one developed mild-to-moderate bulbar-innervated muscle weakness. He refused tracheostomy but accepted percutaneous gastrostomy. Patient two had two lung infections, acute bronchitis and pneumonia, which were treated with antibiotics and cough assistance at home. Patient three had three chest infections (bronchitis and pneumonias) and asthmatic episodes treated with antibiotics, bronchodilators and cough assistance at home. All patients had normal speech while receiving positive pressure; they died suddenly and with normal oxygen saturation.

Conclusions

Although warned that prognosis was poor as vital capacity diminished, our patients survived without invasive airway tubes and despite non-measurable vital capacity. No patient opted for tracheostomy. Our patients demonstrate the feasibility of resorting to full-setting non-invasive management to prolong survival, optimizing wellness and management at home, and the chance to die peacefully.

Which equation best predicts energy expenditure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with estimates from three common prediction equations with the goal of determining which equation best estimates REE in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional measurements of REE from indirect calorimetry were compared to calculations from the Harris Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, and Ireton-Jones equations. Additional measurements to identify predictors of REE included pulmonary function tests, fat-free mass by bioelectrical impedance, and anthropometrics.

SUBJECTS/SETTING

Participants were 56 men and women with ALS. For comparison, subjects were categorized by disease progression into three groups.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

Pearson correlations and paired t tests were used to compare measured REE with predicted REE from each equation, and the accuracy of each equation was quantified by the root mean squared prediction error and the percentage of REE estimates within 10% of measured values. Bias for each equation was calculated as the mean percentage difference between calculated and measured REE. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the best predictor variables for REE.

RESULTS

Across the disease spectrum, the Harris Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations provided clinically acceptable estimates of REE, whereas the Ireton-Jones equations consistently overestimated REE. The best predictors of REE among this cohort were fat-free mass, sex, and age.

CONCLUSIONS

When estimating energy requirements for patients with ALS, clinicians should choose prediction equations that incorporate sex and age as predictor variables, such as the Harris Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations.

Assessment of respiratory functions by spirometry and phrenic nerve studies in patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Spirometry is the most common test recommended to monitor respiratory dysfunction in patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the test depends on the patient's efforts and may be difficult to conduct in patients with faciobulbar weakness. We aimed to study the role of phrenic nerve-electrophysiological studies to predict respiratory dysfunction and correlate it with the forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients of ALS.

METHODS

Forty-three unselected patients (32 male, 25 with limb-onset ALS, age 50±15 years) with clinically definite or probable ALS were included. They were evaluated at entry and after a period of 6 months with the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS), their respiratory subscores (ALS-FRSr), their FVC values as determined by spirometry, and phrenic nerve studies.

RESULTS

Six patients could not perform a satisfactory spirometry at the onset and during the course of illness. All the six patients had severe faciobulbar weakness. Respiratory abnormalities on spirometry were found in 85% of patients, whereas only 30% were symptomatic for respiratory dysfunction. In patients with severe respiratory dysfunction (FVC<60%), the phrenic nerve motor amplitudes (PNAMPs) were significantly reduced compared to those with mild-to-moderate respiratory dysfunction (FVC≥60%). The FVC value showed a significant correlation with the PN-AMP. Nine patients had a poor outcome (death or severe disability) at the end of a period of 6 months. Low levels of both FVC and PN-AMP were predictors of poor outcome for patients at the end of 6 months.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that respiratory dysfunction, as determined by spirometry, is common in patients of ALS. However, only about one-third of patients show symptoms of respiratory distress. Clinical symptoms of respiratory distress are unreliable predictors of respiratory failure in ALS. Measurement of PN-AMP at the time of presentation may be an additional tool to assess respiratory dysfunction in ALS. Reduced PN-AMP values may be indicative of low FVC and may have some role in the assessment of respiratory function in patients in whom a routine spirometry is not possible due to limitations arising from the illness. Both low FVC and reduced PN-AMP at the time of presentation are predictors of poor outcome for patients at the end of 6 months.

Case report: Maintaining and withdrawing long-term invasive ventilation in a patient with MND/ALS in a home setting

Long-term home-based invasive ventilation in patients with motor neurone disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS) remains rare in the UK. We describe a case of an MND/ALS patient who was treated with long-term invasive ventilation at home but subsequently requested its withdrawal despite a seemingly stable period of his illness. We also discuss the impact of the delivery of this treatment and its withdrawal on his carers, primary healthcare team, community trust managers and specialist palliative care team.

Moving toward a predictive and personalized clinical approach in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: novel developments and future directions in diagnosis, genetics, pathogenesis and therapies

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, with progressive weakness and atrophy of most muscles in the body and is almost always fatal within 3–5 years. A small proportion of cases are familial, and remarkable achievements have been made during the last years in understanding the genetics of the disease. In spite of this, the basic pathogenic mechanisms underlying the sporadic disease are still poorly understood. There is urgent need for better understanding of the pathogenic processes in order to be able to develop effective treatments. The present review will focus on recent knowledge gained in diagnosis, genetics, pathogenesis and therapies in ALS. Future development of diagnostic technologies integrating genetic, environmental and individual information will enable us to predict a population at risk for ALS. New treatments actually in development will help improve the medical management of ALS patients, taking into consideration individual traits, as genetic background, and pave a way for a more effective personalized diagnostic and treatment approach.

Caregiver suctioning education for Japanese patients with an invasive home ventilator

In Japan, more people require care activities at home. In particular, patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home require extensive care by family caregivers. Collaboration between their nurses and paid caregivers in the provision of care activities, especially tracheal suctioning, is necessary. This three-round Delphi study identifies the essential items required by nurses to instruct the paid caregivers in how to carry out tracheal suctioning on patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home. By the final round, three competencies were found to be important by the home-visit nurses and paid caregivers: the anticipation of risk, the manner of handling an emergency situation, and the observation of a patient's breathing. The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus between the home-visit nurses and the paid caregivers regarding the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to carry out tracheal suctioning for patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home.

Practice parameter update: the care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: drug, nutritional, and respiratory therapies (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review evidence bearing on the management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

The authors analyzed studies from 1998 to 2007 to update the 1999 practice parameter. Topics covered in this section include slowing disease progression, nutrition, and respiratory management for patients with ALS.

RESULTS

The authors identified 8 Class I studies, 5 Class II studies, and 43 Class III studies in ALS. Important treatments are available for patients with ALS that are underutilized. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and riluzole are particularly important and have the best evidence. More studies are needed to examine the best tests of respiratory function in ALS, as well as the optimal time for starting PEG, the impact of PEG on quality of life and survival, and the effect of vitamins and supplements on ALS.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Riluzole should be offered to slow disease progression (Level A). PEG should be considered to stabilize weight and to prolong survival in patients with ALS (Level B). NIV should be considered to treat respiratory insufficiency in order to lengthen survival (Level B) and to slow the decline of forced vital capacity (Level B). NIV may be considered to improve quality of life (Level C) [corrected].Early initiation of NIV may increase compliance (Level C), and insufflation/exsufflation may be considered to help clear secretions (Level C).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurones in the primary motor cortex, corticospinal tracts, brainstem and spinal cord. Incidence (average 1.89 per 100,000/year) and prevalence (average 5.2 per 100,000) are relatively uniform in Western countries, although foci of higher frequency occur in the Western Pacific. The mean age of onset for sporadic ALS is about 60 years. Overall, there is a slight male prevalence (M:F ratio approximately 1.5:1). Approximately two thirds of patients with typical ALS have a spinal form of the disease (limb onset) and present with symptoms related to focal muscle weakness and wasting, where the symptoms may start either distally or proximally in the upper and lower limbs. Gradually, spasticity may develop in the weakened atrophic limbs, affecting manual dexterity and gait. Patients with bulbar onset ALS usually present with dysarthria and dysphagia for solid or liquids, and limbs symptoms can develop almost simultaneously with bulbar symptoms, and in the vast majority of cases will occur within 1-2 years. Paralysis is progressive and leads to death due to respiratory failure within 2-3 years for bulbar onset cases and 3-5 years for limb onset ALS cases. Most ALS cases are sporadic but 5-10% of cases are familial, and of these 20% have a mutation of the SOD1 gene and about 2-5% have mutations of the TARDBP (TDP-43) gene. Two percent of apparently sporadic patients have SOD1 mutations, and TARDBP mutations also occur in sporadic cases. The diagnosis is based on clinical history, examination, electromyography, and exclusion of 'ALS-mimics' (e.g. cervical spondylotic myelopathies, multifocal motor neuropathy, Kennedy's disease) by appropriate investigations. The pathological hallmarks comprise loss of motor neurones with intraneuronal ubiquitin-immunoreactive inclusions in upper motor neurones and TDP-43 immunoreactive inclusions in degenerating lower motor neurones. Signs of upper motor neurone and lower motor neurone damage not explained by any other disease process are suggestive of ALS. The management of ALS is supportive, palliative, and multidisciplinary. Non-invasive ventilation prolongs survival and improves quality of life. Riluzole is the only drug that has been shown to extend survival.

Non-pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases

BACKGROUND

Breathlessness is a common and distressing symptom in the advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Appropriate management requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological and non-invasive interventions to relieve breathlessness in participants suffering from the five most common conditions causing breathlessness in advanced disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the following databases: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index Expanded, AMED, The Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Trials Register, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness in June 2007. We also searched various websites and reference lists of relevant articles and textbooks.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled and controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of non-pharmacological and non-invasive interventions to relieve breathlessness in participants described as suffering from breathlessness due to advanced stages of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, chronic heart failure or motor neurone disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed relevant studies for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment was performed by three review authors and checked by two other review authors. Meta-analysis was not attempted due to heterogeneity of studies.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included (2532 participants) and categorised as follows: single component interventions with subcategories of walking aids (n = 7), distractive auditory stimuli (music) (n = 6), chest wall vibration (CWV, n = 5), acupuncture/acupressure (n = 5), relaxation (n = 4), neuro-electrical muscle stimulation (NMES, n = 3) and fan (n = 2). Multi-component interventions were categorised in to counselling and support (n = 5), breathing training (n = 3), counselling and support with breathing-relaxation training (n = 2), case management (n = 2) and psychotherapy (n = 2). There was a high strength of evidence that NMES and CWV could relieve breathlessness and moderate strength for the use of walking aids and breathing training. There is a low strength of evidence that acupuncture/acupressure is helpful. There is not enough data to judge the evidence for distractive auditory stimuli (music), relaxation, fan, counselling and support, counselling and support with breathing-relaxation training, case management and psychotherapy. Most studies have been conducted in COPD patients, only a few studies included participants with other conditions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Breathing training, walking aids, NMES and CWV appear to be effective non-pharmacological interventions for relieving breathlessness in advanced stages of disease.

Clinical care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its variants are readily recognised by neurologists, about 10% of patients are misdiagnosed, and delays in diagnosis are common. Prompt diagnosis, sensitive communication of the diagnosis, the involvement of the patient and their family, and a positive care plan are prerequisites for good clinical management. A multidisciplinary, palliative approach can prolong survival and maintain quality of life. Treatment with riluzole improves survival but has a marginal effect on the rate of functional deterioration, whereas non-invasive ventilation prolongs survival and improves or maintains quality of life. In this Review, we discuss the diagnosis, management, and how to cope with impaired function and end of life on the basis of our experience, the opinions of experts, existing guidelines, and clinical trials. We highlight the need for research on the effectiveness of gastrostomy, access to non-invasive ventilation and palliative care, communication between the care team, the patient and his or her family, and recognition of the clinical and social effects of cognitive impairment. We recommend that the plethora of evidence-based guidelines should be compiled into an internationally agreed guideline of best practice.