From the Research
Negative Inspiratory Force (NIF) for Intubation in Myasthenia Gravis
- The exact NIF value for intubation in patients with myasthenia gravis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, a study published in 2004 defined respiratory failure in myasthenia gravis as a negative inspiratory force ≤ 20 cm H2O, among other criteria 3.
- Another study from 1995 found that repeated measurements of vital capacity, including values < 20 ml/kg body weight, were poor predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation in myasthenia gravis 4.
- The decision to intubate a patient with myasthenia gravis should be based on clinical judgment, taking into account factors such as respiratory failure, muscle weakness, and the patient's overall condition 1, 2.
- Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation may be considered as an initial treatment for respiratory support in patients with myasthenia gravis, with intubation reserved for those who do not respond to this treatment or who have more severe respiratory failure 1, 5.