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Biomedical subjects

F Neukirch

Publications and source records attributed to F Neukirch.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

[Chronic bronchitis. Development, prevention].

The adoption of an arbitrary epidemiological definition for chronic bronchitis has enabled some progress to be made in the understanding of the frequency and natural course of this disease. It is important to distinguish between chronic airflow obstruction and chronic hypersecretion of bronchial mucus. The prevalence of the disease can only be assessed in selective groups of the population and varies according to the characteristics of these groups, but is approximately 15% of men and 8% of women. There is relatively low mortality in France: 6/100,000 in 1985 and varies according to the departments, up to 38/100,000 inhabitants. These data ought to be interpreted with care and it is also important to take account of factors linked to their evolution. Longitudinal studies undertaken 20 years ago have allowed two hypotheses to be formulated to aid in a more precise understanding of the natural history of the disease: the first of these was the Dutch hypothesis which is currently undergoing a renewal of interest linked to epidemiological studies on HRB, and the English hypothesis which has the merit of emphasizing the principal risk factor in chronic bronchitis. Certain smokers are sensitive to tobacco, even though some others are not. Does the explanation of this lie in the relationship between obstructive ventilatory problems and bronchial hyper-reactivity? This association is discussed in the light of recent work as well as the relationship between bronchial hyperactivity, smoking and chronic bronchitis. Other risk factors have been studied: occupational hazards, air pollution and acute respiratory infections in childhood. But, in spite of all the work carried out to better define the risk factors and prognosis of the disease, this makes up a complex overall picture which is poorly understood and which should stimulate us to further research. The prevention of the disorder should be aimed at three levels; at the primary level (to prevent the appearance of the disorder) the only objective which may lead to a satisfactory solution in public health terms, a secondary level would be to identify those people or groups at special risk, but it is not recommended to undertake systematic examination of large populations in view of the fact that the early diagnosis of non-specific chronic pulmonary disease as well as special studies have not been shown to demonstrate the value of these procedures. The objective of prevention is to eliminate or neutralise factors linked to the disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Physical properties of the aorta and left ventricular geometry evaluated by Doppler echocardiography in normal subjects].

UNLABELLED: In 45 normotensive subjects (21-84 years) we simultaneously measured: 1) arterial pressure (AP) according to guidelines of the World-health-organization; 2) left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (WT) and antero-posterior radius (r), aortic diameter (AD) by M-mode echo with 2D echo control; 3) isthmus--diaphragm pulse wave delay (PWD) by measurement of time, between the foot of aortic velocity curves, respectively in the isthmus and near the diaphragm; 4) sternal length (L). We derived WT/r ratio, pulse wave velocity (PWV) as the ratio L/PWD, the product AD X PWD and the PWD/AD. RESULTS: AP, WT/r, PWD, PWV, AD, AD X CFD, PWD/AD are significantly correlated with age (respective r = 0.30, p = 0.05; r = 0.61, p less than 0.001; r = -0.67, p less than 0.001; r = 0.73, p less than 0.001; r = 0.61, p less than 0.001; r = -0.49, p less than 0.001; r = 0.52, p less than 0.001. WT/r is significantly correlated with PWD (r = -0.52, p less than 0.001); PWV (r = 0.50, p less than 0.001); AD (r = 0.44, p less than 0.03); AD X PWD (r = -0.38, p = 0.01) and PWD/AD (r = 0.35, p less than 0.02) but not systolic AP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Variation of lung function during the workshift among cotton and jute workers.

Cotton and jute dust exposure is known to induce reversible airway obstruction. We compared 50 exposed workers to 99 non exposed workers for the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory impairment, and for variations in pulmonary function after five working days and after inhalation of salbutamol. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was not significantly different between the two groups. Pulmonary function was not different on Monday morning, however, significant differences were observed on Friday afternoon. The exposed workers had a lower flow rate at 75% of exhaled forced vital capacity than controls (P less than 0.01). Salbutamol induced greater bronchodilatation in the exposed group. Comparison with a control group is necessary to take into account the change in pulmonary function. Repeated tests, combined with pharmacological tests, are able to differentiate the lung function pattern of exposed and non exposed workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Prevalence of asthma in adolescents in various parts of France and its relationship to respiratory allergic manifestations.

Six studies have been carried out in France and French Polynesia to investigate the prevalence of asthma in adolescents attending secondary school and in Paris university students (68,179 subjects overall). All the studies used the same questionnaire, self-administered in the classroom, and interviews administered to students during the university's preventive medicine examination. An epidemiologic definition of asthma was considered an affirmative answer to the question, "Have you ever had attacks of asthma?" The prevalence of asthma ranged from 4 to 12 percent, most often higher in boys with a tendency to increase with age. The relationship between asthma and other allergic respiratory conditions was studied. Some recommendations are made here to improve the validity of data and to increase knowledge about the etiology of asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Relationships between functional measurements and childhood respiratory diseases according to the age of onset.

In a working population of 912 men, aged 22 to 54 years, 8.3% reported a history of childhood respiratory illness before 16 years of age. Those reporting a history of bronchitis or pneumonia (BP) before 2 years of age had significantly lower FEV1 values than those who did not report such a history, whereas those reporting BP at a later age, or primary tuberculosis, did not have lower values. The observed association was unlikely to be due to preferential recall bias, since BP before 2 years of age was not associated with a higher reported prevalence of current respiratory symptoms of cough, phlegm, or dyspnea, and the observed association remained after exclusion of those with a history of wheezing or asthma. Furthermore, the relation remained significant after taking into account parental smoking, Pi phenotype and a history of eczema in childhood. These results suggest that BP before 2 years of age, a period of rapid alveolar multiplication, may be related to the occurrence of adult chronic air-flow limitation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Pattern-character analysis of flow volume-curve for diagnosis of pulmonary obstruction.

This study presents a different approach of the maximum expiratory flow volume curve analysis. Instead of computing only its classical parameters, we are interested in the perceptible components it raises up, that is its pattern. Patterns have been quantified and classified with algorithms used in pattern recognition. A criterion of likeness and a criterion of proximity of each character curve with a standard pattern are calculated. It permits to associate a character and a normal or a pathological standard pattern. The automata which has been designed for automatic and real-time acquisition and computation of the test is described. Results on populations of children and obstructive patients are then presented. It lets us assess the ability of the system for early bronchial diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Eosinophils, smoking, and lung function. An epidemiologic survey among 912 working men.

The relationship of eosinophilia with smoking habits and with baseline lung function measurements has been studied in a working population of 912 men in the Paris area. Absolute numbers of eosinophils were related significantly to a history of asthma and eczema in childhood as well as to current tobacco consumption, whereas the percentage of eosinophils was related only to the occurrence of asthma and eczema. Forced expiratory volume in one second adjusted for smoking was significantly related to asthma, the presence of a common cold on the day of examination among those with a history of wheezing, and the percentage of eosinophils. The association between FEV and eosinophils was restricted to never smokers. Among never smokers without a history of asthma, eczema, wheezing, or a common cold on the day of examination, eosinophil percentages and counts were significantly associated with the level of FEV; eosinophil percentages explained 4.4% of the variance of FEV. These results suggest that eosinophilia might be a risk factor for chronic air-flow limitation among adult nonsmokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Hemodynamic and coronary effects of molsidomine at basal state, during atrial pacing, and during cold pressor test in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), coronary sinus blood flow (CSF), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), mean arterial (MAP), and coronary arteriovenous difference for oxygen (AVDcO2) were measured in patients with stable angina pectoris without cardiac failure before and 40 to 60 minutes after administration of 2 or 3 mg of molsidomine. In 20 patients these measurements were made in basal state during spontaneous rhythm. In eight of these patients (including three receiving beta blockers) the measurements were made during atrial pacing. In eight other patients, all receiving long-term beta-blocker therapy, the measurements were made during cold pressor test. At the basal state in spontaneous rhythm, a gradual reduction in the LVSP to 70% or less of its initial value was observed in four patients receiving 3 mg of molsidomine (two of whom received beta-blocker treatment). The LVSP was immediately restored by vascular filling. In the 16 other patients molsidomine decreased LVSP, LVEDP, MAP, CO, and double product (DP = LVSP X HR). The AVDcO2 was unchanged. CSF and myocardial oxygen uptake index (MVO2 = CSF X AVDcO2) were decreased. During atrial pacing, hemodynamic and coronary effects were similar to those seen in the basal state. During the cold pressor test, the increases in LVSP, MAP, and LVEDP were significantly reduced by molsidomine. The variations in CSF and coronary resistance (MAP/CSF) were also significantly different after administration of molsidomine, with better metabolic regulation of the coronary circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Effects of molsidomine during the cold test in stable coronary insufficiency under beta-blocker treatment].

The heart rate, cardiac output, coronary sinus blood flow, systolic and end diastolic left ventricular pressures, femoral arterial pressure and coronary oxygen arterio-venous difference were measured in 12 patients with stable coronary artery disease without cardiac failure on long-term betablocker therapy, before and 45 minutes after 2 or 3 mg sublingual molsidomine. The measurements were repeated in 8 patients during a cold pressor test. Under basal conditions, molsidomine decreased the systolic and end diastolic left ventricular pressures, mean femoral arterial pressure, cardiac output and double product. The coronary oxygen arterio-venous difference was unchanged. Coronary sinus flow and myocardial oxygen consumption decreased. In the 2 patients who were given 3 mg molsidomine, a progressive reduction in systolic left ventricular pressure to 70% or less than its initial value, necessitated immediate treatment with volume expanders. During the cold pressor test before molsidomine the systolic and end diastolic left ventricular pressures, mean femoral arterial pressure and the double product increased. Coronary sinus flow was unchanged overall: it decreased in 6 patients, increased in 2 patients and remained the same in 1 patient. Coronary resistance increased in 6 patients and decreased in only one patient. During the cold pressor test after molsidomine there was a significant reduction in the increase of systolic left ventricular pressure, mean femoral artery pressure and double product. Coronary sinus blood flow increased in 5 patients and decreased in only one case. Coronary resistance decreased in half the cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1984

[Can the results of pulmonary function tests and evidence of tobacco-related respiratory symptoms be used to dissuade adolescents from smoking?].

The purpose of this paper is to review arguments recently used to dissuade youth from smoking, nd to propose new ones based on the results obtained in an epidemiological study carried out between 1978 and 1980 among young people attending school. A questionnaire focused on respiratory symptoms and smoking habits was filled out by 2,269 students between 10 and 19 years of age. Among them, a representative sample of 971 underwent a respiratory function test. Two years later, the students who had shown an impaired respiratory function were again examined--along with a representative control group--using the same protocol. During the first examination, we had found a very meaningful relationship between smoking and respiratory symptoms. MOreover, girl smokers evidenced significantly diminished expiratory flows. The students were informed of the results at the time. When the second examination was carried out, some smokers had increased their cigarette consumption, while others had cut back- and it was the latter group that, during the first examination, had had a significantly higher proportion of symptoms and lower respiratory function values. This suggests that showing proof of the real problems caused by smoking could be used as an element in antismoking campaigns among school-attending youth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Validity of mortality data in respiratory diseases in France and 7 other countries of the E.E.C].

A recent study of mortality due to respiratory disease, carried out in the eight member countries of the European Economic Community (E.E.C.) has shown different levels of mortality between the countries. To establish whether these variations in mortality were real or due to methods of filing and coding, a study of death certification was carried out in each country based on 10 common clinical diagnostic categories to assess overall accuracy. In France, 75 doctors picked a random, were asked to fill in a form for each observation as though it were a real death. The cause of death was coded by the usual national centre and re-coded by a reference centre in London. The protocol was similar for each country taking part. Important differences were found between and within each country. Some arise from the way in which doctors write out the death certificates (an excess of deaths from "other disease of the respiratory tract" in France and from cardio-vascular diseases in Italy), in others the way of coding was due to (an "excess of deaths by other disease of the respiratory tract" in Belgium). The degree of concordance depends on the complexity of the case (possible interaction of several pathologies), particular national characteristics, and whether account of these is made by the medical profession. These divergences can in part explain the different mortality statistics from respiratory disease between countries of the E.E.C. Later on it will be necessary to make the wording and the coding of the death certificate more standardised within the E.E.C.

Death Certificates↗
PubMed1983

[Effect of parents on the tobacco use of their children].

A survey carried out in autumn 1978 in a Paris state secondary school (2266 pupils) enabled us to study the precocity and prevalence of smoking habits in boys and girls aged 14.9 years on average, according to their parents' smoking habits and attitudes. The proportions of smokers were 21.8% in boys and 31.2% in girls. These proportions were lower if parents forbade smoking and higher if they allowed it, or simply advised their children against it. The proportion of smokers and precocity of smoking increased with parents' smoking habits. This result was confirmed by a stepping-up discriminant analysis. We also found that the influence of peers entailed a greater precocity in smoking and that those who smoked to assume a countenance smoked a greater number of cigarettes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Systematic recording of malignant bronchopleuropulmonary tumors: value and limitations].

A systematic recording of primary cancer of the bronchi, pleura or lung would be of descriptive, etiological and operational interest if the collected data were exhaustive, if it were possible to resolve the problems set by epidemiological surveys (the only kind of study to be considered) and finally if an effective means to fight against these cancers were available.

Humans↗