Successful artificial ventilation for seven weeks at St. Luke's Hospital

Abstract

A girl with acute dermatomyositis was ventilated artificially for seven weeks at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta. She was also treated with long term corticosteroids. She was well enough to be eventually discharged home. She was managed by emergency endotracheal intubation and artificial ventilation. A tracheostomy was carried out. Humidification, physiotherapy and adequate suction of the bronchi were the mainstay of treatment. Success in this case was primarily due to the fact that the girl's lungs were normal, while devotion, meticulous care and sheer hard work by all concerned were also instrumental.