Volume Targeted Versus Pressure Targeted Non-invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Randomised Control Trial.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of five motor neurone diseases (MNDs). It is a rare, incurable disease characterised by progressive destruction of nerve cells called motor neurones that instruct a patient's muscles to contract, to enable all movements, including walking, talking, speaking and swallowing.

Over time as more motor neurone cells are damaged, the muscles used to breathe will weaken and patients will develop breathlessness and sleep disturbances. This can be very distressing and reduce a patient's health- related quality of life (HRQOL). Eventually the condition may progress to the extent that the patient will develop respiratory failure, which is the leading cause of death in ALS.

Respiratory failure is the most frequent cause of death in ALS and as such a significant proportion of ALS cases are complicated by respiratory and bulbar symptoms which can reduce HRQOL from breathlessness, impaired cough and sleep, and can also shorten life expectancy. The use of respiratory support, provided via non-invasive ventilation (NIV), has been shown to be beneficial.

NIV is a safe treatment in ALS and as such current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend a trial of NIV in those ALS patients who develop respiratory impairment

NIV compliance is of significant importance in ALS as it is directly linked to improved survival and health related quality of life. Compliance is affected by various factors including non-invasive ventilation mode, disease type (bulbar vs limb) and baseline physiology.