Chronic Neuromuscular Disorders

Spirometry, respiratory muscles pressures, peak cough flow, and arterial (or capillary) blood gases are the most commonly used pulmonary function tests for the assessment of patients with neuromuscular disorders. These tests can be used for disease monitoring and patient prognostication, as well as for decision-making regarding the initiation of ventilatory support. However, the use of daytime pulmonary function tests as screening tools for the prediction of sleep hypoventilation cannot be recommended in patients with neuromuscular disorders.