1 April 2020

NMD4c the neuromuscular network for Canada releases information regarding pulmonary support for Myotonic Dystrophy patients during the  COVID-19 Pandemic.

New COVID-19-related guidance has been produced for people living with myotonic dystrophy who already use some respiratory support at home or who need it if they get sick. These devices are very important to keep you breathing well, but extra care needs to be taken to make sure they are kept clean and to limit the spread of the virus, as they can increase the risk of virus-infected particles being released into the air.

Many people with myotonic dystrophy do not use ventilation when they are otherwise healthy, but some do use non-invasive ventilation at home. Others may require respiratory support if they contract COVID-19 because their breathing muscles are weaker than normal.