Biomedical subjects

G Rempel

Publications and source records attributed to G Rempel.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Computerised acoustical respiratory phase detection without airflow measurement.

A simple, non-invasive acoustical method is developed to detect respiratory phases in relationship to swallows without the direct measurement of airflow. In 21 healthy subjects (4-51 years) breath sounds are recorded at the trachea and at five different recording locations at the chest wall, with simultaneous recording of airflow by a pneumotachograph. The chest signal with the greatest inspiratory-expiratory power difference ('best location') is either in the mid-clavicular line in the second interspace on the left or third interspace on the right. Using the 'best location' on the chest wall and the tracheal signal, a phase detection algorithm is developed and achieves 100% accuracy in the estimation of respiratory phases without using the measured airflow signal. Thus, acoustically monitoring breaths and swallows holds promise as a non-invasive and reliable assessment tool in the study of swallowing dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Effect of a Soft Boston Orthosis on pulmonary mechanics in severe cerebral palsy.

Spinal braces such as the Soft Boston Orthosis (SBO) help stabilize scoliosis and improve sitting, positioning, and head control in individuals with cerebral palsy. However, their impact on pulmonary mechanics in this population has not been studied. We examined the effect of a Soft Boston Orthosis on the pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange in 12 children and young adults (5-23 years of age) with severe cerebral palsy. Pulmonary resistance, compliance, tidal volume, minute ventilation, work of breathing, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO2 tension were measured with the subjects seated both with and without the orthosis and in the supine position without the orthosis. There were no significant differences in the measured parameters when comparing subjects with and without their orthoses in the sitting or in the supine position. As would be expected in individuals with severe cerebral palsy, pulmonary resistance was increased (7.33 cm H2O/L/s) and compliance was decreased (0.12 L/cm H2O) compared to reported normal values. Work of breathing was greatest in the sitting position without the orthosis (1.2 dynes/cm), suggesting that the improved positioning achieved with the orthosis may decrease the work of breathing. We conclude that the application of a Soft Boston Orthosis does not impact negatively on pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange in young people with severe cerebral palsy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Special considerations for medication use in children with developmental disabilities.

Regardless of the underlying cause of a child's developmental disability, a similar constellation of associated medical conditions may occur. Successful management approaches in children with developmental disabilities are generally interdisciplinary, frequently involving a variety of medical and surgical disciplines, allied health professionals, and the child's family. Pharmacologic intervention is an integral aspect of the management plan, but consideration must be given both to the possible effects of the medications on a child's growth and development, and to the avoidance of adverse drug interactions and reactions.

Adolescent↗