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.

ABSTRACT:

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

SUBMITTER: Miller RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2764727 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature