Pneumothorax Associated with Noninvasive Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A case report

ABSTRACT

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked recessive disorder characterized by rapid progression of muscle wasting and weakness. Long term noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is an important treatment for neuromuscular patients with chronic respiratory failure. NIPPV is easy to administer and life-threatening complications are rare. We report two cases of pneumothorax associated with long term NIPPV in DMD. Given the increasing utilization of chronic NIPPV, we suggest that caregivers and patients must be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication.