Respiratory Physiotherapy Performed by Simeox In Patients With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is characterized by impaired airway clearance and mucus stagnation. This results in recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections often leading to chronic inflammation and, if not treated early and properly, to irreversible functional and structural changes of the respiratory tract. As there is no causal treatment of PCD yet, airway clearance techniques (ACT) provide fundamental care for these patients. Simeox is a new airway clearance device, recently developed by the French company PhysioAssist. This technology is based on pneumatic vibrations generated by the device itself. Vibrations are induced by rapidly alternating between atmospheric and negative pressure as the patient exhales, providing the most effective clearance of mucus from the lungs. Vibrations of different intensity and frequency are known to alter the rheological properties of mucus in the airways, whilst the negative pressure during exhalation helps to mobilise and drain the mucus to the central bronchi. Although there have not yet been any evidence based papers published clarifying the effect of Simeox specifically in patients with PCD, using up-to-date information, experience, and positive feedback from our patients, we assume that there could be a significant benefit for the effectiveness of ACT.