Is survival improved by the use of NIV and PEG in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? A post-mortem study of 80 ALS patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) are guideline-recommended interventions for symptom management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Their effect on survival is controversial and the impact on causes of death is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the effect of NIV and PEG on survival and causes of death in ALS patients.

Methods

Eighty deceased ALS patients underwent a complete post mortem analysis for causes of death between 2003 and 2015. Forty-two of these patients consented for genetic testing. Effects of NIV and PEG on survival and causes of death were analyzed in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

Six patients, who requested assisted suicide causing drug-induced hypoxia, were excluded f

SUBMITTER: Burkhardt C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5441602 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature