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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be complicated with respiratory dysfunction, and particularly expiratory muscle weakness, requiring ventilatory and secretion management support. We sought to characterise the MS cohort at a tertiary ventilation centre. A retrospective review of MS patients admitted to our centre between 01/2015 and 01/2021 was conducted.

We identified 30 adults (50% male) admitted for respiratory review. MS subtypes included primary progressive (59%), secondary progressive (27%) and relapsing-remitting (14%). Time from initial MS diagnosis to referral was 22±12yrs, while age was 57±11years. At baseline, BMI was 29±11kg/m2, peak cough flow 74±39L/min, FEV1: 1.06±0.65L, FVC: 1.37±0.72L, 4%ODI: 13±18events/hr, and overnight transcutaneous CO2: 45.3±6.52mmHg. Following assessment, 46% were initiated onto positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy (58% on pressure support, 29% on …