Kyphoscoliosis ventilatory insufficiency: noninvasive management outcomes.

Objective: To determine the effects on symptoms, pulmonary function, sleep, and other clinical variables of treating kyphoscoliosis-associated chronic alveolar hypoventilation with nocturnal nasal ventilation. Design: Sixteen patients with kyphoscoliosis were treated with nocturnal nasal ventilation delivered by volume-cycled (seven patients) and pressure-cycled (nine patients) ventilators. Dyspnea, morning headaches, fatigue, hypersomnolence, and perceived sleep quality were assessed. Results: All pretreatment symptoms improved significantly with nasal ventilation. Likewise, Pao 2 (mm Hg), Pao 2 /Fio 2 , Paco 2 (mm Hg), pH, and forced vital capacity (in milliliters and as a percentage of p…