Abstract
Background: Respiratory musculature function in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) has not been evaluated sufficiently. Impairment in inspiratory muscles capacity could make patients prone to complications in clinical situations in which the respiratory work is increased.
Objective: Evaluate inspiratory muscle function, measured with Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MTP) in children with MMC.
Method: In 13 children with MMC, MIP was obtained according to Black and Hyatt technique, using an aneroid gauge pressure. The results were compared to Szeinberg reference values by t Student, where p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The average age was 11.9 ± 2.8 years and 10 female. Expected MIP average was 112 ± 20 cmH20, with lower limit of 92 cmH20. The observed Pimax was 62 ± 23 cmH20, 33% less than the inferior limit expected (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: These children present a decrease of inspiratory musculature force, making them suceptible to muscle fatigue in pathological conditions, requiring a greater respiratory effort and difficulties in mechanical ventilation weaning. We suggest that a regular study of inspiratory muscles is neccessary in MMC patients, in order to define a respiratory musculature training necessity.
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Copyright (c) 2008 Revista Chilena de Pediatría