Abstract

Objective
To evaluate sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to analyse the relationship SNIP and other pulmonary function test and to verify the usefulness of SNIP in patients with DMD. Method: Twenty-seven patients with DMD who were able to follow commend were studied. Among them two patients were unable to perform maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) mesurement. SNIP and MIP were measured using respiratory pressure meter in sitting position. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak cough flow (PCF) were evaluated using spirometer and peak flow meter respectively. The relationship between SNIP and other pulmonary function parame-ters were analysed. Results: The mean value of SNIP was ⁣44.9 cmH₂O (41.6% predicted) and the mean value of MIP was ⁣32.9 cmH₂O (43.9% predicted). SNIP was correlated with MIP. When expressed absolute value, SNIP was higher than MIP in 23 of the 25 patients with DMD. SNIP and MIP were correlated with FVC. SNIP and MIP were correlated with PCF as well. Conclusion: SNIP in patients with DMD is useful method to assess inspiratory muscle strength in addition to MIP and more easier to perform than MIP. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 632-638)

• Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, Pulmonary function test, Respiratory muscle strength