Non-invasive mechanical ventilation

To our knowledge, the loss of force induced by "acute fatigue" can only be identified by the electrical or magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve, but only if this is compared with the pressures obtained in a previously fresh muscle. 1-2 In the clinical setting the occurrence of acute alveolar hypoventilation (hypercapnic respiratory failure) associated with, for example, abdominal paradoxical movements, tachypnoea, or recruitment of accessory muscles may suggest failure of the respiratory pump. [...]Dr Vanpee and colleagues are concerned about the possible differences between the two groups in the dosage of steroids used in the acute phase.