Decline in Slow Vital Capacity Is an Important Indicator of ALS Progression

Decline in SVC is closely related to important clinical events such as respiratory failure, tracheostomy, and death.

Respiratory muscle weakness is part of the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Along with other factors, including bulbar onset, tongue atrophy, dyspnea, and active denervation factor, impaired respiratory function is generally related to poor prognosis. A decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) is a predictor of poor prognosis, but slow vital capacity (SVC) may be easier to measure in ALS patients. To investigate the relationship between SVC and ALS prognosis, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 893 patients who participated in two clinical trials or were included in an ALS clinical trials database.

Patients were assessed for at least 1 year and followed for up to 1.5 years. Assessments included SVC, Amyotrophic…

Reviewing Author

Jaime Toro, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Jaime Toro, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Decline in Slow Vital Capacity Is an Important Indicator of ALS Progression

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Reviewing Author