200 Section - Behind the Mask: Clinical and Functional Profile of Patients Undergoing Non-Invasive Ventilation

Objectives : Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to respiratory failure, making non-invasive ventilation (NIV) an essential intervention to prolong survival and improve quality of life. The demographic and clinical characterisation of patients with ALS followed in NIV outpatient clinics allows the identification of disease progression patterns and optimisation of the timing for initiation of ventilatory support.The objective of this paper is a demographic, functional and technical analysis of the NIV-ALS population. 

Design: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study conducted in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ALS according to the El Escorial/GOLD Coast criteria, followed in a specialised NIV outpatient clinic. Demographic data (age, sex), clinical data (time from diagnosis to initiation of ventilation; referral based on respiratory function tests, diaphragmatic electromyography, or clinical evidence of ineffective cough), respiratory parameters (FVC, MIP/MEP, capillary blood gases), and technical data (ventilatory mode, type of interface) will be collected. Information will be obtained through review of medical records and outpatient consultation notes.

Results: To date, 140 patients have been included. Data analysis is ongoing, and a description of the demographic and clinical profile of the population is anticipated, as well as the identification of factors associated with initiation of and adherence to NIV. Final results will be presented at the congress.

Conclusion: Characterisation of this population will allow a better understanding of the clinical trajectory of patients with ALS receiving ventilatory follow-up in physical and rehabilitation medicine, and will contribute to the definition of earlier and more individualised intervention strategies. These data may support improvements in clinical practice and the planning of multidisciplinary, patient-centred care.