The-Stage-of-Prolonged-Quality-Surv_2004_Management-of-Patients-with-Neuromu

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Section
3
THE STAGE OF
PROLONGED
QUALITY SURVIVAL
(STAGE 3)
Nonintervention in fatal illness becomes a self-ftlfillingprophecy.
Because there are no effective medical treatments or cures for any neu-
romuscular disease (NMO) at present and because the great majority of
morbidity and mortality is due to respiratory complications of muscle
weakness, pulmonary management is the most critical aspect of treating
NMOs. It has also been the most ignored aspect ofNMO management.
Goals for Stage 3
1. Encouragement for self-direction and direction of care providers
(Chapter 13)
2. Facilitation of activities of daily living (Chapter 7)
3. Use of respiratory muscle aids to prevent respiratory morbidity and
mortality (to prolong life without detracting from quality of life by
resorting to tracheotomy)
4. Prevention of cardiac morbidity and mortality (Chapter 5)
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