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Assessment of Respiratory Function In the Intensive Care Unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 November 2018

Charles F. Bolton
Charles F. Bolton*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London
*
Reprint requests to: Charles F. Bolton, M.D., The University of Western Ontario, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Victoria Hospital, 375 South Street, P.O. Box 5375, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5
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Abstract

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Disorders of both the central and peripheral nervous systems are important causes of respiratory insufficiency. However, simple clinical observations and pulmonary function measurements may fail to identify the location and type of disorder. This can often be accomplished by the newly-developed technique of phrenic nerve conduction and needle electromyography of the diaphragm which delineate the various disturbances of central drive, axonal or demyelinating neuropathies of the phrenic nerves and certain myopathies. These studies have been preformed safely and with little discomfort on adults, children or infants, and in out-patient and general ward settings. We have found they are of particular value in the intensive care unit.

Résumé

Résumé

Les affections du système nerveux central et périphérique sont des causes importantes d'insuffisance respiratoire. Cependant, la localisation et le type de problème peuvent échapper à l'observation clinique simple et aux mesures de fonction respiratoire. On peut y pallier par la nouvelle technique d'évaluation de la conduction au niveau du nerf phrénique et l'électromyographie du diaphragme qui cement les différentes perturbations d'origine centrale, les neuropathies axonales ou démyélinisantes des nerfs phreniques et certaines myopathies. Ces ètudes ont été réalisées de façon sécuritaire et sans trop d'inconfort chez les adultes, les enfants et les nourrissons, comme patients externes ou hospitalisés dans une unité de soins généraux. Nous avons constaté qu'ils sont d'une grande utilité à l'unité de soins intensifs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 21 , Issue S1: Neurocritical Care Symposium , February 1994 , pp. S28 - S34
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 1994

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