Oxygen use in ALS

[maypema]

Hi,
Here is my second question. Does anyone know of a simple, well researched article concerning the dangers of oxygen use in ALS? I would like to have a document that I could share with health care providers.
Thanks!

 

[Al]

Hi maypema and welcome to the forum. There is a bit of information you are looking for at this site. I'll try to find more and someone else may have articles. AL.
http://www.lesturnerals.org/pdf/ResourceGuide/Section8-RespiratoryCare.PDF

 

[landscape]

Here's one brief comment in the Canadian Family Physician:
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/2006/Dec/vol52-dec-cme-strong.asp

"Oxygen therapy should not be considered for ALS patients except as a comfort measure. Delivery of oxygen alone can suppress respiratory drive and lead to worsening hypercapnia. Oxygen should be prescribed to ALS patients only as a palliative measure to relieve symptoms of air hunger in the terminal phases of the disease."

And a more extensive article (which I've not read through yet) from the Mayo Clinic titled "Severe Hypercapnia After Low-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease and Diaphragmatic Dysfunction". Using some of these key words e.g. 'hypercapnia' 'oxygen' and 'ALS' may provide more articles.
http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?a=1&ref=7004a2

 

[maypema]

Thank you, very helpful.

 

[maypema]

I really appreciate these links!