Open AccessImpact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Non-Invasive Ventilated ALS Patients
Author(s) -
Miguel Oliveira Santos,
Sara Domingues,
Marta Gromicho,
Susana Pinto,
Mamede de Carvalho
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of neuromuscular diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.366
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 2214-3602
pISSN - 2214-3599
DOI - 10.3233/jnd-210733
Subject(s) - medicine , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , covid-19 , disease , azithromycin , pediatrics , infectious disease (medical specialty) , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among neuromuscular diseases with respiratory involvement, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is still to be elucidated. Objectives: We aim to characterize the clinical outcome of ALS patients non-invasive ventilated (NIV), following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively our patients followed regularly at our ALS clinic, from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (middle March 2020) to March 2021. We included patients on NIV with a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. We recorded demographic and clinical data, including from the acute infectious illness. Results: Three men with spinal-onset ALS are described, mean age of onset was 55±9.1 years (45–61), and mean disease duration was 17.5±15.9 months (6.1–41). All of them were wheelchair-bounded, with a mean ALSFRS-R of 15.3±0.6 (15–16). One patient used NIV 15 hours/day, 2 between 4 to 7 hours/day, and all used assisted coughing twice daily. None had coexistent comorbidities. They were managed for SARS-CoV-2 infection as outpatients with fluticasone, bronchodilators, azithromycin and increasing frequency of assisted coughing. Supplemental oxygen (mean of 2 liters per minute) was needed in two patients, and one required NIV also during the daytime. Total recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in all, despite being in an advanced stage of their disease, with severe respiratory involvement. Conclusions: Prompt medical treatment is recommended for ALS patients with severe disease infected by SARS-CoV-2.