Value of periodic transcutaneous daytime carbon dioxide monitoring in screening for respiratory failure in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This prospective, observational cohort study was undertaken to determine whether PtcCO2 was a sensitive test for screening for early type II respiratory failure, as compared with symptom history or FVC, in 50 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. FVC was measured using a calibrated Vitalograph Alpha spirometer.