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Biomedical subjects

A Stenzler

Publications and source records attributed to A Stenzler.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Determinants of tidal flow volume loop indices in neonates and children with and without asthma.

The tidal flow volume (TFV) loop ratios of (1) time to peak flow (tPTEF) to total expiratory time (tE) [tPTEF/tE] and (2) volume to peak flow (VPTEF) to expired volume (VE) [VPTEF/VE] are reported to decrease with age in early life, and to decrease in subjects with obstructive airways disease (OAD). However, the mechanisms behind these changes are not well known. Thus, we reanalyzed data from 24 healthy neonates (mean birthweight: 3.49 kg +/- 0.42 kg (SD)), 26 presently asymptomatic asthmatic children (age: 33 +/- 21 months), and 26 controls (age: 34 +/- 19 months) to elucidate what is responsible for the changes in these ratios in health and disease. Lung function was measured by TFV loops (SensorMedics 2600) at 1 hour of life and on the following day in the neonates, and before and after inhaled nebulized salbutamol (0.05 mg/kg) in the asthmatics and their controls. The observed decreases in mean tPTEF/tE and VPTEF/VE from 1 hour to 1 day of life (neonates) were entirely due to increased tE and VE, respectively secondary to a decrease in respiratory rate (P = 0.03). In asthmatics (young children), the decreased baseline tPTEF/tE and VPTEF/VE were due to lower tPTEF and VPTEF, with no significant differences in tE and VE in asthmatics and controls. The improved ratios in asthmatic children following inhalation of a bronchodilator were mainly due to increased tPTEF and VPTEF. Our observations point out the importance of evaluating both tPTEF and either tPTEF/tE or VPTEF/VE when attempting to differentiate between changes in ratios that are related to age versus changes that reflect underlying obstructive airways disease.

Asthma↗

Promoting meconium clearance from the lungs of the neonatal piglet with asymmetric high frequency oscillation.

To investigate the role of high frequency oscillation (HFO) in promoting meconium clearance from the airway, we used a commercially available ventilator configured with maximal expiratory flow exceeding inspiratory flow (asymmetric HFO or AHFO). We hypothesized that AHFO would move meconium in an expiratory direction (toward the ventilator). We first tested our hypothesis in vitro and, later, in vivo using the neonatal piglet. In vitro experiments using a Plexiglas airway confirmed meconium movement in an expiratory direction when bias ratio was > or = 2. For in vivo experiments, each piglet received a 3 mL/kg intratracheal bolus of a 44 g/100 mL meconium mixture followed by 45 min of mechanical ventilation. Then, in part 1, the piglet was placed in a 15 degree head down tilt position and randomized to either AHFO [ratio of inspiratory time/expiratory time (I:E) of 70:30] or HFO (I:E ratio of 30:70). After 30 min of either AHFO or HFO, the piglet was crossed over to the alternate strategy for an additional 30 min. For part 2, we maintained the piglet on either AHFO or HFO continuously for 4 h. Results demonstrate that, although there was a tendency for larger volumes of meconium to be aspirated from the airway during AHFO in part 1 experiments, there was no difference found in part 2. We also found no significant differences in blood gases or hemodynamic measurements between AHFO and HFO during the prolonged observation period in part 2 of our study. We conclude that AHFO is of no benefit in the treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome.

Animals↗

Acute hydrogen selenide inhalation.

Acute exposure to selenium hydrochloride resulted in severe dyspnea and a pneumomediastinum in a young healthy man. Pulmonary function tests revealed restrictive and obstructive airways disease. Although the patient's pulmonary function slowly improved, subsequent studies revealed persistent impairment. Therefore, exposure to selenium gas may result acutely in severe coughing and wheezing and may lead to irreversible obstructive lung disease.

Adult↗