Management of respiratory failure complicating pregnancy in severe kyphoscoliosis: a new use for an old technique?

Six cases with paralytic or early onset kyphoscoliosis who developed cardiorespiratory complications during pregnancy are described. Four of these were treated during or immediately after pregnancy with negative pressure ventilation. The use and advantages of this type of treatment to relieve respiratory and cardiac failure related to pregnancy in patients with kyphoscoliosis is discussed.