Abstract
Air travel can cause severe respiratory decompensation in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) due to reductions in total barometric pressure and inspired oxygen partial pressure We report four such patients who experienced air travel. Two of the patients underwent mechanical ventilation during sleep. Arousal blood gas analysis indicated mild hypoxemia and hypercapnia (Pao2; 83.4 and 83.1mmHg, Paco2; 51.4 and 56.9mmHg). Blood gas parameters in the other two were within normal limits. Spot2 was measured in these patients during commercial flights, and three of them showed decreased Spo2 during air travel. No symptoms attributable to hypoxemia occurred. We conclude that careful preparation, some ventilatory support using an Ambue bag or a mechanical ventilator, and oximetric monitoring are necessary for patients with DMD who intend to undertake air travel.
