Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing Effects in Patients With High Spinal Cord Injury

Background: To determine whether intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB) improved lung compliance, work of breathing, and respiratory function in patients with recent high spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Two months of IPPB and two months of conventional treatment have to evaluated prospectively in random order in 14 patients with SCI. Noninvasive lung function tests and arterial blood gas measurements have to be obtained repeatedly. Repeated measurements of dynamic compliance and work of breathing have to be performed in 7 of the 14 patients.