Self-Assessment: NM Complications of Cancer Care | Cardiac & Pulmonary Manifestations of NMDs-Dr. Hehir Presentation

Dr. Hehir Presentation

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Dr. Michael K. Hehir's presentation at the University of Vermont Medical Center focuses on respiratory complications arising from neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Hehir acknowledges various financial disclosures, including consulting roles for pharmaceutical companies and compensation for educational talks. The presentation objectives cover respiratory muscle function and dysfunction, tests of respiratory function, and the impact of acute and chronic neuromuscular disorders on respiratory muscles.<br /><br />Key muscles involved in respiration include the diaphragm, which handles the majority of ventilatory effort, intercostal muscles, scalene muscles, and bulbar muscles. Neuromuscular respiratory weaknesses can present as restrictive lung disease, insufficient respiratory clearance, and bulbar dysfunction. Various bedside evaluation methods and ancillary measures such as pulmonary function tests are described for assessing respiratory muscle function. <br /><br />Neuromuscular disorders affecting respiratory function include conditions impacting the neuromuscular junction like Myasthenia Gravis and Botulism; nerve/root disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP); myopathies, and motor nerves including diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The presentation underscores the importance of regular monitoring, infection prevention, anticipatory guidance, and respiratory support in managing these conditions.<br /><br />Case studies like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) highlight the natural history of disease progression and the role of interventions like air stacking and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in addressing respiratory decline. Dr. Hehir also discusses the importance of multidisciplinary teams in managing respiratory decline and the role of palliative care. Genetic therapies are suggested as potential options for altering the course of respiratory failure in neuromuscular patients. <br /><br />The presentation concludes by stressing the importance of respiratory muscle weakness management in improving patient function and quality of life. Additionally, participants are encouraged to provide feedback and claim their session credits through the AANEM app by specified deadlines.

Keywords

respiratory complications

neuromuscular disorders

respiratory muscle function

pulmonary function tests

Myasthenia Gravis

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

non-invasive ventilation

multidisciplinary teams

genetic therapies