PRIMARY ALVEOLAR HYPOVENTILATION TREATED WITH NOCTURNAL ELECTROPHRENIC RESPIRATION

Abstract
A case of primary alveolar hypoventilation is described. Despite characteristic clinical findings, the diagnosis was delayed for 4 yr. Alleviation of nocturnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia initially by a rocking bed and subsequently by phrenic nerve stimulation was accompained by reversal of cor pulmonale and polycythemia. Electrophrenic respiration is an effective form of long-term management in primary alveolar hypoventilation.

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