Self-management of nocturnal respiratory insufficiency with a portable ventilator "Pneu-PAC" by an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient.

A 76-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was admitted to our hospital because of progressive exertional dyspnea (PaCO2 = 68.5 torr, PaO2 = 62.5 torr). He was put on mechanical ventilation, and thereafter sleep apnea of a central type was recognized. After improvement of general conditions, a portable ventilator "Pneu-PAC" was used for the self-management of nocturnal respiratory insufficiency. A portable ventilator might be of clinical benefit for the management of a patient with neuromuscular disorder whose activities of daily living are still functional.