Indicators of early respiratory compromise compared

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Nikki J

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PALS
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04/2014
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US
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MA
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Boston

overnight pximetry and mip seemed to do better than fvc in this study
 
Overnight ox is certainly useful for someone w/o in-person access to pulmonary testing.

Other studies and common sense suggest that MEP is a leading indicator in ALS, so if that starts going south, I would test more often to see when you get to the behind-the-times Medicare coverage criteria (MIP<60 and/or FVC <50%) that much sooner.

Also, just a reminder that any doc can write for a cash BiPAP, refurbs are available at Second Wind for <1k, and your first machine doesn't have to be your last one. PALS w/ FVCs <75% and/or MEP <60 should really consider initiation of BiPAP at those milestones whether they meet Medicare criteria or not.
 
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