[Home mechanical ventilation in Switzerland in 1990. Future developments].

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) was initiated in polio centers in the mid-50s (iron lung). Ten years ago, chronic respiratory insufficiency patients began to be treated with positive pressure ventilation via tracheostomy tube. Survival of kyphoscoliotic and myopathic patients was impressive in uncontrolled studies. Today it appears that similar results may be obtained with a new non-invasive technique, nasal mechanical ventilation. The present situation of HMV in Switzerland (number of patients and their location) and the results of this treatment are described. In addition, we report on a short series of 24 Swiss patients collected in 4 centers. We show that HMV is possible in Switzerland and that the results in survival and quality of life are excellent, provided that the indications for this technique are consistent with the recommendations in the literature.