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Mucolytics for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is usually characterised by the production of large quantities of sputum that patients frequently have difficulty in expectorating. Mucolytic agents target hyper-secretion or changed physiochemical properties of sputum to make it easier to clear. One drug, recombinant human DNase, breaks down the DNA that is released at the site of infection by neutrophils. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ingested or inhaled mucolytics in patients with bronchiectasis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, reference lists of relevant articles. We also contacted experts in the field and drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of mucolytic treatment in people with bronchiectasis but not cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation. MAIN RESULTS: Two trials were included. In one study, compared to placebo, high doses of bromhexine combined with antibiotics eased difficulty in expectoration (weighted mean difference -0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.81 to -0.25 at 16 days). There was also a reduction in sputum production with bromhexine (weighted mean difference -21.5%, 95% confidence interval -38.9 to -4.1 at day 16). There was no difference in forced expiratory volume. In a second study, compared to placebo, recombinant human DNase showed no difference in forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity. Adverse effects, including influenza-like symptoms, were more common in the group receiving recombinant human DNase. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the routine use of mucolytics for bronchiectasis. High doses of bromhexine coupled with antibiotics may help with sputum production and clearance.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Long-term functional results after bilateral lung transplantation. Bordeaux Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Group.

Between February 1988 and January 1992, 61 patients have undergone bilateral lung transplantations (42 heart-lung and 19 double-lung) in Bordeaux. The underlying diseases were primary or secondary hypertension (20), emphysema (22), or other diseases including cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, and sarcoidosis (19). Actuarial survival for double-lung and heart-lung transplant recipients was 66% and 72% at 1 year and 57% and 53% at 3 years, respectively. Forty-two patients were still alive 6 months after operation, and we studied their pulmonary function at the short and long term. All parameters except arterial carbon dioxide tension had improved dramatically at 6 months (p < 0.0001). Vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity were at 79% +/- 3%, 92% +/- 5%, and 105% +/- 8% of the predicted values, respectively. Arterial oxygen tension was 88 +/- 3 mm Hg. Nine months after operation, a slight decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity appeared but values remained more than 75% predicted. This was related to the occurrence of obliterative bronchiolitis in 6 patients (14%). At 9 months, flow rates and oxygen tension of these 6 patients were highly different from those of patients free of obliterative bronchiolitis (p < 0.0002 for flow rates and p < 0.01 for oxygen tension). Only 1 patient required retransplantation. The others are living an almost normal life. Our results are discussed in view of the published reports on single-lung transplantation. Short-term results of bilateral lung transplantation are thus excellent and maintained on a long-term basis. Therefore, in our opinion, bilateral lung transplantation is the therapy of choice for pulmonary hypertension and emphysema.

Adult↗

Urinary excretion of leukotriene E4 and eosinophil protein X in children with atopic asthma.

Measurement of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) in urine is a noninvasive method for assessing changes in the rate of total body cysteinyl leukotriene production. Eosinophil protein X (EPX) has been used to assess eosinophil activity and monitor inflammation in bronchial asthma. The aim of the study was to look for differences in urinary LTE4 and EPX concentrations between children with stable atopic asthma and healthy controls and to compare asthmatic children with different disease severity. In addition the relationship was evaluated between urinary LTE4 and EPX levels and lung function. LTE4 was also measured (enzyme immunoassay) together with EPX (radioimmunoassay) in urine and lung function tests were carried out in children with mild asthma (steroid-naive) (n=49), moderate to severe asthma (using inhaled steroids) (n=31) and healthy control subjects (n=28). Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) was significantly higher in children with asthma than in controls (median [25-75 percentile] 238.5 (126.5-375.7) SD 191.8 versus 189 (51-253.2) SD 131.7 pg.mg(-1) creatinine; p=0.021). Urinary EPX was also significantly increased in asthmatic children compared with controls (85.5 [64-131.5] SD 76.2 versus 48.5 [43.2-90] 112.1 microg x mmol(-1) creatinine; p=0.006). There were no differences in urinary LTE4 and EPX between the group of mild and the group of moderate to severe asthmatic children. There were significant associations between the urinary LTE4 and intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV), residual volume (RV), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory capacity (FVC) and maximum expiratory flow rate at 25% of vital capacity (MEF25). Urinary EPX was only correlated with maximum expiratory flow rate at 75% of vital capacity (MEF75). Thus measurement of urinary LTE4 may predict the degree of airflow obstruction in asthmatic children. Urinary LTE4 and EPX are useful markers of airway inflammation and can be helpful in guiding asthma management. There was no correlation between LTE4 and EPX levels.

Allergens↗

Effects of Hatha yoga and Omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and melatonin secretion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of Hatha yoga and Omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and melatonin secretion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy men in the age group of 25-35 years volunteered for the study. They were randomly divided in two groups of 15 each. Group 1 subjects served as controls and performed body flexibility exercises for 40 minutes and slow running for 20 minutes during morning hours and played games for 60 minutes during evening hours daily for 3 months. Group 2 subjects practiced selected yogic asanas (postures) for 45 minutes and pranayama for 15 minutes during the morning, whereas during the evening hours these subjects performed preparatory yogic postures for 15 minutes, pranayama for 15 minutes, and meditation for 30 minutes daily, for 3 months. Orthostatic tolerance, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, dynamic lung function (such as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory volume percentage, peak expiratory flow rate, and maximum voluntary ventilation), and psychologic profile were measured before and after 3 months of yogic practices. Serial blood samples were drawn at various time intervals to study effects of these yogic practices and Omkar meditation on melatonin levels. RESULTS: Yogic practices for 3 months resulted in an improvement in cardiorespiratory performance and psychologic profile. The plasma melatonin also showed an increase after three months of yogic practices. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and orthostatic tolerance did not show any significant correlation with plasma melatonin. However, the maximum night time melatonin levels in yoga group showed a significant correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) with well-being score. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that yogic practices can be used as psychophysiologic stimuli to increase endogenous secretion of melatonin, which, in turn, might be responsible for improved sense of well-being.

Adult↗

Clinical trial of two inhalation techniques for pressurized aerosols.

The clinical effects of a bronchodilator, terbutaline sulphate, were compared after administration in the beginning of the inhalation by means of a standard inhaler and administration by actuating 2 seconds before starting the inhalation by means of an inhaler furnished with a 32 X 100 mm tube. No differences could be seen in the parameters measured-forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced mid-expiratory flow (FMF), and oscillatory resistance (Ros). The results indicate that when attaching a tube to the standard inhaler co-ordination of inhalation and actuation of the aerosol is not of vital importance.

Adolescent↗

Pulmonary function testing reference values and interpretations in pediatric training programs.

A questionnaire was sent to all pediatric training programs to evaluate the use of pulmonary function reference standards and the interpretation of pulmonary function test results. Responses were obtained from 107 of 130 institutions, and 94 of these had pulmonary function laboratories available. Of the 94, 60 used one of three reference standards. The primary reason the reference standards were chosen was either unknown or because they came with the spirometer (24), were recommended by another person or were those used in that person's training (34), or were thought to be the best standards available or most applicable to the population to be tested (31). To define abnormality, most used an 80% predicted cutoff for forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% vital capacity. For a change in an individual through time, most used a 10% change for forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% vital capacity. Thirteen used statistical methods to define abnormal individuals and none used statistical methods to define a significant change over time. Although there are a few guidelines for reference standards and interpretations of pulmonary function tests, it appears that most laboratories are not using those guidelines and that further guidelines and education are needed.

Adolescent↗

Cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise are not affected by one night's sleep deprivation during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of one night's sleep deprivation on the cardiorespiratory responses to exercise during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. We have studied nine, healthy females aged 24-35 years with regular menstrual cycles. Each subject performed spirometric tests at rest and then an incremental exercise testing during 11-13 days of follicular phase and 22-24 days of luteal phase following one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep loss. Compared with resting values exercise produced significant increases in cardiorespiratory variables including oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), systolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and respiratory quotient (R). However, it did not alter significantly diastolic blood pressure, end-tidal PO2 (PETO2), end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Spirometric variables which include forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC%, forced expiratory volume in three s (FEV3), forced expired flow from 25-75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%), forced expired flow at 25% of FVC (FEF 25%), forced expired flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50%), forced expired flow at 75% of FVC (FEF 75%), forced expired flow from 75-85% of FVC (FEF 75-85%), peak expiratory flow (PEF), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory capacity (IC) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and cardiorespiratory variables were not different between the cycle phases after one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep deprivation. Neither menstrual cycle phase nor sleep deprivation affected spirometric and cardiorespiratory parameters. We suggest that one night's sleep deprivation does not produce alterations in spirometric parameters and cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise during the follicular and luteal phases.

Adult↗

Change in the respiratory response to coarse cotton dust over a ten-year period.

Changes in respiratory function during a 10-year period were studied in a group of 34 men and 19 women exposed to coarse cotton dust. The prevalence of byssinosis increased significantly in the 10-year period both in men and women; in addition, there was an increase in the prevalence of all other chronic respiratory symptoms in 1973 compared to 1963. There was a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and forced vital capacity over the Monday shift both in 1963 and 1973. In subjects who were without byssinosis in 1963 but who had developed it by 1973, there was a considerable decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec in 1973. The mean annual decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (70 ml) during the 10-year period in the men was much greater than expected on the basis of the prediction equation for normal males, and it was most pronounced in those with byssinosis at the time of both surveys (111 ml).

Adult↗

A simple spirometric clue to asthma: airways obstruction suggested by negative or reduced forced expiratory reserve volume despite normal FEV1-FVC ratio.

I report on 25 asthmatic patients in whom airways obstruction was not detectable by conventional spirometric indices, but was suggested by a reduced or negative forced expiratory reserve volume (FERV), that is, the ERV measured from the forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver and preceding tidal breaths. Patients with known causes for reduced ERV were excluded. The ratio of forced expiratory volume-1 sec (FEV1) to FVC was normal or high in all 25 patients, and the forced expiratory time (FET)25-75% was normal in half (12). Using conventional spirometric algorithms, the condition of most (76%) of the patients would be interpreted as "restrictive impairment". The FERV is easily measured in a physician's office or clinic. If this simple test is to provide a clue to the presence of airways obstruction that is otherwise not demonstrable spirometrically, the FVC maneuver must be maximal and reproducible and the preceding tidal breaths, as well as the FVC, must be graphically recorded.

Adult↗

Proteomic Profiling of Pulmonary Function and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function is linked to cardiovascular disease risk; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to identify protein biomarkers associated with pulmonary function and examine their impact on incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and all-cause mortality. METHODS: Data from White and Black Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (visit 2: N=11&#x2009;354, mean age=57 years; visit 5: N=3517, mean age=75 years), a prospective cohort, were analyzed. Linear regression assessed associations between protein levels and pulmonary function measures, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity. The impact of the identified proteins on incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and mortality was estimated using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Pathway enrichment and Mendelian randomization explored underlying biological functions and causal effects. RESULTS: Of 4766 proteins analyzed, 364 were cross-sectionally associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (and forced vital capacity (false discovery rate<0.05). Ninety-four and 270 proteins had concordant positive and negative effects, respectively. Five pathways related to pulmonary and cardiac function were enriched. Of the 364 proteins, 112 were linked to all 4 outcomes, where 86 were associated with increased risk (odds ratio/hazard ratio [OR/HR], 1.05-1.42) and 26 with reduced risk (OR/HR, 0.69-0.96). Six proteins (STAT3 [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3], MIC-1 [growth differentiation factor 15], apoA-II [apolipoprotein A-II], TPST1 [protein-tyrosine sulfotransferase 1], integrin a1b1 [integrin alpha-I: beta-1 complex], and BLC [C-X-C motif chemokine 13]) showed potential inverse causal effects on with forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity, and integrin a1b1 demonstrated consistent inverse associations with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, and heart failure risks. CONCLUSIONS: Proteins associated with pulmonary function may influence CVD risk. Six proteins, including integrin a1b1, represent promising targets for future interventions.

Aged↗

Objective indicators of severity of asthma.

Subjects with asthma who are intensively treated in residential care facilities frequently demonstrate marked clinical improvement in their disease, with fewer attacks and improved well being. Despite their improved status, it is known that pulmonary function test results often remain abnormal in patients with asthma. This prospective study on children with asthma receiving residential care was carried out to determine which pulmonary function parameter best reflected clinical improvement through correlation with the duration of complete freedom from wheezing. Evaluated in 42 children were spirometry values including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory flow (between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity), and lung volumes as reflected by residual volume/total lung capacity. Bronchial hyperreactivity as reflected by bimonthly provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 in response to methacholine inhalation was evaluated in 18 patients. All pulmonary function test results were correlated with days since last wheezing episode. Results indicate that only peak expiratory flow rate (r = 0.91; p < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r = 0.69; p < 0.01), and forced expiratory flow (r = 0.62; p < 0.05) demonstrated significant correlation with the number of days since last wheezing episode. Of particular interest was the failure of bronchial hyperreactivity to improve despite intensive therapy with bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Persistence of bronchial hyperreactivity despite intensive therapy with corticosteroids suggests that in at least some children with severe asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity may be especially long-lived, may be perpetuated by inhaled beta 2 agonists, or may exist independently of airway inflammation.

Adolescent↗

Pulmonary and peripheral vascular factors are important determinants of peak exercise oxygen uptake in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the relations among exercise capacity and pulmonary, peripheral vascular, cardiac and neurohormonal factors in patients with chronic heart failure. BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of exercise intolerance in heart failure have not been fully clarified. Previous studies have indicated that peripheral factors such as regional blood flow may be more closely associated with exercise capacity than cardiac function, whereas the role of pulmonary function has received less attention. METHODS: Fifty patients with stable heart failure underwent a comprehensive assessment that included a symptom-limited maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test, right heart catheterization, pulmonary function tests, neurohormonal levels, radionuclide ventriculography and forearm blood flow at rest and after 5 min of brachial artery occlusion. Univariate and stepwise linear regression analyses were used to relate peak exercise oxygen uptake to indexes of cardiac, peripheral vascular, pulmonary and neurohormonal factors both alone and in combination. RESULTS: The mean ejection fraction was 19% and peak oxygen uptake was 16.5 ml/min per kg in this group of patients. By univariate analysis, there were no significant correlations between peak oxygen uptake and rest cardiac output, pulmonary wedge pressure, ejection fraction and pulmonary or systemic vascular resistance. In contrast, even in the absence of arterial desaturation during exercise, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) were all significantly associated with peak oxygen uptake. Peak postocclusion forearm blood flow (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), the corresponding minimal forearm vascular resistance (r = -0.56; p < 0.01) and plasma norepinephrine level at rest (r = -0.45; p < 0.01) were also significantly correlated with peak oxygen uptake. By multivariate analysis, minimal forearm vascular resistance and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were shown to be independently related to peak oxygen uptake, with a combined R value of 0.71. Other two-variate models included forced expiratory volume and plasma norepinephrine (R = 0.67) and forced expiratory volume and diffusing capacity (R = 0.65). Because forced vital capacity was highly correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s, it could be combined with the same variables to yield similar R values. Addition of any third variable did not improve these correlations. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with rest indexes of cardiac performance, measures of pulmonary function and peripheral vasodilator capacity were more closely associated with peak exercise oxygen uptake in patients with heart failure. Furthermore, the associations were independent of each other and together accounted for 50% of the variance in peak oxygen uptake. These data suggest that pulmonary and peripheral vascular adaptations may be important determinants of exercise intolerance in heart failure.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Respiratory function changes after chemotherapy: an additional risk for postoperative respiratory complications?

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer usually modify their lung function during treatment with increases in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and decreases in lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO). This prospective study was designed to evaluate functional changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and DLCO after three courses of induction chemotherapy with cisplatinum and gemcitabine in stage IIIa lung cancer patients and to assess their impact on respiratory complications after lung resection. METHODS: From March 1998 to January 2001, 30 consecutive patients with N2 nonsmall cell lung cancer had surgical resection after neoadjuvant treatment. Pre-chemotherapy and postchemotherapy results of standard respiratory function tests and DLCO were compared in patients with and without postoperative respiratory complications. RESULTS: All 30 patients completed the chemotherapy protocol without respiratory complications. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were recorded after chemotherapy in transition dyspnea score, PaO(2) (mean value from 79.8 to 86.4 mm Hg), forced expiratory volume in 1 second % (from 78.1% to 87.5%) and forced vital capacity % (from 88.1% to 103.3%). Lung diffusion for carbon monoxide was significantly impaired after chemotherapy (from 74.1% to 65.7%; p = 0.0006), as well as DLCO adjusted for alveolar volume (from 92.8% to 77.4%; p < 0.0001). One patient died after surgery and 4 patients (13.3%) experienced postoperative respiratory complications. Compared with patients without complications, these 4 patients had higher mean increase in FEV(1) after chemotherapy (+26.8% vs + 6.7%; p = 0.025), but greater mean decrease in DLCO/Va (-27.8% vs -13.6%; p = 0.03). Impact of change in DLCO on postoperative respiratory complications was not confirmed by multiple logistic regression analysis (p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: In lung cancer patients, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity assessed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not reliable indicators of the likelihood of respiratory complications after surgery. The risk of respiratory complication may be directly linked to loss of DLCO/Va. Lung diffusion for carbon monoxide assessed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is probably the most sensitive risk indicator of respiratory complications after surgery. We recommend that DLCO studies be performed before and after chemotherapy in lung cancer patients undergoing induction therapy.

Carbon Monoxide↗

Value of high-resolution computed tomography in routine evaluation of lung transplantation recipients during development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rejection is a major long-term complication after lung transplantation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of repeated high-resolution computed tomographic examinations in monitoring the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation. METHODS: A total of 126 high-resolution computed tomographic examination in 13 lung transplant recipients was analyzed. During a mean follow-up period of 23 months, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome developed in eight of the patients. A scoring system from 0 to 10 based on the number of chronic changes on high-resolution computed tomography was developed, and the score of each patient was compared with decline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second and maximal forced expiratory flow rate of 50% of the forced vital capacity. RESULTS: The score of chronic changes, measured at 1 year after transplantation, correlated inversely with the values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and maximal forced expiratory flow rate at 50% of the forced vital capacity (p < 0.05). Stage I bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was associated with scores of 4 to 6 (mean 5.0), stage 2 with scores of 6 to 9 (mean 7.0), and stage 3 with scores of 6 to 9 (mean 7.7). The sensitivity of high-resolution computed tomography was 93% and its specificity was 92% when five chronic changes were used as a cutoff level. CONCLUSIONS: The progress of chronic changes on high-resolution computed tomography occurs concurrently with the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. High-resolution computed tomography may provide additional morphologic information for noninvasive evaluation of chronic lung rejection.

Adult↗

Decreased ventilatory function in hard metal workers.

OBJECTIVES: To study individual effects on pulmonary function of exposure to hard metal including cobalt. METHODS: All of the workers in a hard metal company (583 men and 120 women) were examined for smoking, respiratory symptoms, ventilatory function, occupational history of exposure to hard metal, and present exposure to airborne cobalt. The ventilatory function indices (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in one second per cent (FEV1%), peak expiratory flow (PEF), mid-maximal flow (MMF), forced expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity (V50), forced expiratory flow at 25% vital capacity (V25)) were standardised for height and age and expressed as a percentage of predicted values. RESULTS: Two way analysis of variance of indices of ventilatory function showed that an interaction of hard metal exposure and smoking decreased %V50 for both men and women. Among the currently exposed men, those with asthmatic symptoms (defined as reversible dispnoea with wheeze) had significantly lower %FVC, %FEV1%, %PEF, %MMF, %V50, and %V25 than did workers without asthma. The ventilatory disfunction did not differ between exposed and non-exposed workers with asthmatic symptoms. Even among the men without asthmatic symptoms, %V50 was significantly lowered by the interaction of hard metal exposure and smoking. The multilinear regression analysis of indices of ventilatory function for all of the subjects on sex, smoking (Brinkman index), exposure to hard metal, and asthmatic symptoms showed that asthmatic symptoms and smoking had significant effects on all variables and that the decrease in %V25 was associated with hard metal exposure. In the currently exposed and non-exposed workers, multilinear regression analysis applying indices for cobalt exposure (mean cobalt concentration, duration of exposure, and cumulative dose) showed that not only asthmatic symptoms or smoking but also duration of exposure had significant decreasing effects on %FVC, %MMF, and %V25. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to hard metal probably causes impairment of ventilatory function in a dose dependent manner.

Adolescent↗

[Effects on flow volume curve accompanied by aging--with emphasis on the relation between the change and FEV1.0%].

Changes in respiratory function were compared. The results obtained were as follows. Subjects selected were 462 normal healthy male adults with no disorders in respiratory and circulatory systems, of whom forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0%) and peak flow (PF), forced expiratory volume in 75% (V75), forced expiratory volume in 50% (V50) and forced expiratory volume in 25% (V25) were determined. 1. Results of each measured value FEV1.0%, PF, V75, V50 and V25 decreased with age. But V50/V25 increased with age Minimum and maximum values were 6.86 and 36.46 in FEV1.0% and V25. 2. Relationship between FEV1.0% and V50/V25. Both FEV1.0% and V50/V25 did not show marked relation till 34 years. Individual variation occurs in 35 to 39 year old group. This current was famous in 40 to 49 year old group. But no individual variations were found over 50 year old. This suggested that aging affects not only large airways but also small airways, and which is accompanied with enlarged peripheral air way resistance and decreased expiratory flow volume

Adult↗

Preoperative evaluation of cardiopulmonary reserve with the use of expired gas analysis during exercise testing in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the usefulness of analyzing expired gas during exercise testing for the prediction of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients with esophageal carcinoma. BACKGROUND DATA: Radical esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy is performed in patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma but has a high risk of postoperative complications. To reduce the surgical risk, we performed preoperative risk analysis using 8 factors. Although hospital mortality was decreased when this risk analysis was used, severe cardiopulmonary complications still occurred. METHODS: The study group consisted of 91 patients who had undergone curative esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy. The maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percent forced expiratory volume, V.(25)/HT, forced expired flow at 75% of forced vital capacity to height ratio (FEF(75%)/HT), forced expired flow at 50% to 75% of forced vital capacity ratio (FEF(50%)/FEF(75%)), percent diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, and arterial oxygen tension were measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. RESULTS: Only the maximum oxygen uptake was significantly different between the 2 groups. All patients were grouped according to the value of the maximum oxygen uptake, and the occurrence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications was calculated for each group. A cardiopulmonary complication rate of 86% was found for patients with a maximum oxygen uptake of less than 699 mL. min(-1). m(-2); for those with a value of 700 to 799 mL. min(-1). m(-2), the complication rate was 44%. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum oxygen uptake obtained by expired gas analysis during exercise testing correlates with the postoperative cardiopulmonary complication rate. On the basis of these results, esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy can be safely performed in patients with a maximum oxygen uptake of at least 800 mL. min(-1). m(-2).

Adult↗

Spirometric and flow standards for healthy adult non-smoking Sri Lankans belonging to the Sinhalese ethnic group.

The objective of this study was to establish reference norms for dynamic lung volumes and forced expiratory flows applicable to the Sinhalese ethnic group in Sri Lanka. Respiratory function tests were carried out on 367 female and 328 male healthy non-smoking Sinhalese adults of age range 17-65 years. Subjects included hospital and university staff, students of the Faculty of Medicine at Peradeniya and healthy relatives accompanying patients to outpatients clinics. An 8-litre rolling-seal spirometer was used in conjunction with a X-Y recorder. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) reached a peak at 30 years in males and 23 years in females. All measurements except forced mid-expiratory flow (FEV25-75%) increased with increasing height. The flow-volume curve became progressively concave towards the volume axis with advancing age. Lung function measurements correlated best with age and height. Therefore prediction formulae were developed with these two measurements as the independent variables. Nomograms based on these formulae were constructed. When standardized for height and age, forced expiratory volumes were smaller than in Europeans, Negroes and Pakistanis, and were comparable to South Indian data. However, flows did not vary significantly from those of other ethnic groups. It can therefore be concluded that the Sinhalese have smaller lungs than Europeans and Negroes even after adjustment for differences in stature, but lung elastic recoil pressure and airway calibre (which are determinants of forced expiratory flows) appear to be similar to those of other ethnic groups.

Adolescent↗