Prevalence of mechanical assisted cough in the Norwegian neuropediatric population

Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) to augment cough is suggested in patients with neurological conditions at all ages when the cough is weak. The prevalence of long-term MI-E in pediatrics is unknown. Aim: To determine the prevalence of long-term MI-E use in the Norwegian neuropediatric population. Method: A population based cross-sectional study was performed. All Norwegian children equipped with a MI-E device for long-term use was identified by the units supplying technical treatment equipment for home use (4/2017). The Norwegian Patient Registry reported the children’s diagnosis, age and regional residency as well as aggregated data on children Results: In total 114 of 18861 children registered with a neurological condition in the Norwegian Patient Registry were equipped with a MI-E device for long-term use, giving a point prevalence of 6 per 1000 children, varying from 2.1 to 11.9 per 1000 children in the four health regions. The median (min-max) age was 10.7 (1.5-18) yrs. The highest prevalence was found in spinal muscular atrophy, with 24 of 76 children registered with a MI-E device (316/1000), followed by 36 of 535 children with muscular dystrophies/myopathies (67/1000). Among children with cerebral palsy 29 of 2938 had a MI-E device (9.2/1000). Conclution:MI-E was used from 1.5 yrs and was most common in children with spinal muscular atrophy. The overall prevalence of MI-E users in the Norwegian neuropediatric population varies among the four health regions.