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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Quantitative liver function tests define the functional severity of liver disease in early-stage cirrhosis.

Some patients with early-stage cirrhosis preserve hepatic function, whereas others have little hepatic reserve and rapidly deteriorate. The aim of this study was to use quantitative tests of liver function (QLFTs) to define the degree of functional hepatic impairment in patients with early-stage cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score 5-7) and to determine whether the tests predicted subsequent hepatic decompensation. We recruited 10 cirrhotic (Cr) patients and 10 healthy controls (NI), who were well matched for race, age, weight, and gender. Clearances of caffeine (CF) and antipyrine (AP) after oral administration were measured from timed samples of saliva. The clearance of cholate (CA) was measured from serum samples obtained after simultaneous oral ([2,2,4,4-2H]CA) and intravenous ([24-13C]CA) administration. CA shunt was calculated as (Cl i.v./Clo x 100%). CF elimination rate (Cr v NI, mean +/- SD: 0.03 +/- 0.02 v 0.075 +/- 0.018 h-1, P < .0005) and AP clearance (24 +/- 16 v 40 +/- 7 mL/minute, P < .02) were reduced in Cr patients. CA shunt was increased in Cr patients (43 +/- 18 v 18 +/- 7%, P < .002). Five Cr patients decompensated during follow-up and had the worst CA shunts (76%, 66%, 51%, 48%, and 45%). Three subsequently received successful orthotopic liver transplantation, 1 died of hepatoma, and 1 is on the waiting list for transplantation. In conclusion, QLFTs define the degree of functional impairment in early cirrhosis and may identify Cr patients at greatest risk of decompensation who may require transplantation for survival.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1982

B cell function in patients with chronic pancreatitis and its relation to exocrine pancreatic function.

Exocrine pancreatic function was evaluated by a Lundh meal test and a secretin-cholecystokinin test in 16 patients with chronic pancreatitis. B cell function was assessed by measuring the concentration of C-peptide after stimulation with oral glucose and intravenous glucagon. The Cc-peptide response to intravenous glucagon and oral glucose was closely correlated (r = 0.88, p less than 0.01). Plasma C-peptide after glucagon was significantly correlated to the post-prandial concentration of lipase (r = 0.72, p less than 0.001), amylase (r = 0.64, p less than 0.05) and to amylase output (r = 0.64, p less than 0.05). Eight out of nine patients treated with insulin had residual B cell function, but it diminished significantly with increasing duration of diabetes. We conclude that B cell function is correlated to pancreatic enzyme secretion and that patients with insulin-treated diabetes secondary to chronic pancreatitis have a residual insulin secretion similar to that of patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Estimation of overall pulmonary function after irradiation using dose-effect relations for local functional injury.

PURPOSE: To predict the pulmonary function 3-4 months after irradiation for malignant lymphoma from the three-dimensional (3-D) dose distribution. METHODS: Dose-effect relations for the relative reduction of local perfusion (Q) and local ventilation (V), were calculated in 25 patients, using correlated SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and CT data. By combining the 3-D dose distribution of an individual patient with the dose-effect relations averaged over all patients, the average reduction of local Q and V (i.e., the overall response parameters) in the whole lung was estimated for each patient. Correlation coefficients were calculated between these overall response parameters and the change in standard lung function tests. In addition, the relation between the overall response parameters and the incidence of radiation pneumonitis was determined. RESULTS: The overall response parameter for perfusion was correlated with the change in standard lung function tests, with correlation coefficients varying between 0.53 (p = 0.007) and 0.71 (p < 0.001) for the change of Vital Capacity and Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s, respectively. For the overall response parameter for ventilation similar correlations were observed. Four out of the 25 patients developed radiation pneumonitis; in these four patients the overall response parameter for perfusion was on average somewhat higher (13.2 +/- 1.4% (1 standard error of the mean)) than in patients without radiation pneumonitis (10.5 +/- 1.0%), but this difference was not significant. A higher incidence of radiation pneumonitis was observed for larger values of the overall response parameter for perfusion; in patient groups with an overall response parameter for perfusion of 0-5%, 5-10%, 10-15%, and 15-20%, the incidence of radiation pneumonitis was 0 (0/1), 10 (1/10), 13 (1/8) and 33% (2/6), respectively. CONCLUSION: By combining the 3-D dose distribution with the average dose-effect relations for local perfusion or ventilation, an overall response parameter can be calculated prior to irradiation, which is predictive for the radiation-induced change in the overall pulmonary function, and possibly for the incidence of radiation pneumonitis, in this group of patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

The effects of ropivacaine hydrochloride on platelet function: an assessment using the platelet function analyser (PFA-100).

Amide local anaesthetics impair blood clotting in a concentration-dependent manner by inhibition of platelet function and enhanced fibrinolysis. We hypothesised that the presence of ropivacaine in the epidural space could decrease the efficacy of an epidural blood patch, as this technique requires that the injected blood can clot in order to be effective. Ropivacaine is an aminoamide local anaesthetic used increasingly for epidural analgesia during labour. The concentration of local anaesthetic in blood achieved in the epidural space during the performance of an epidural blood patch is likely to be the greatest which occurs (intentionally) in any clinical setting. This study was undertaken to investigate whether concentrations of ropivacaine in blood, which could occur: (i) clinically in the epidural space and (ii) in plasma during an epidural infusion of ropivacaine, alter platelet function. A platelet function analyser (Dade PFA-100, Miami) was employed to assess the effects of ropivacaine-treated blood on platelet function. The greater concentrations of ropivacaine studied (3.75 and 1.88 mg x ml(-1)), which correspond to those which could occur in the epidural space, produced significant inhibition of platelet aggregation. We conclude that the presence of ropivacaine in the epidural space may decrease the efficacy of an early or prophylactic epidural blood patch.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

ACE inhibition with ramipril improves left ventricular function at rest and post exercise in patients with stable ischaemic heart disease and preserved left ventricular systolic function.

AIMS: To assess the effects of 6 months intervention with +ramipril on resting and post exercise left ventricular function in patients with stable ischaemic heart disease and preserved left ventricular systolic function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (n=98, age 65+/-9 years, 37% women) were randomized to double-blind treatment with ramipril 5 mg. day(-1)(n=32), ramipril 1.25 mg. day(-1)(n=34), or placebo (n=32). Resting and post maximum exercise echocardiography/Doppler examinations were performed at baseline and after 6 months. Changes over 6 months in resting transmitral E-wave deceleration time (Edt) and Edt adjusted for heart rate (Edt/RR) differed between the ramipril 5 mg, ramipril 1.25 mg, and placebo groups: Edt 24+/-82, -1+/-69, and -29+/-64 ms, respectively, P=0. 012; Edt/RR 30+/-105, 2+/-61, and -28+/-69 ms, respectively, P=0.015. Changes in the difference between resting and post exercise Edt/RR also varied between groups: -53+/-137, -28+/-118, and 35+/-101 ms, respectively, P=0.029. No differences in E/A indices were noted. Resting atrioventricular plane displacement improved in the combined ramipril groups vs the placebo group: 0.2+/-0.8 vs -0.2+/-1.3 mm, P<0.05.Conclusion Six months ramipril treatment in patients with stable ischaemic heart disease and preserved left ventricular systolic function improved resting left ventricular function and reduced the exercise induced diastolic filling abnormalities usually seen in these patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

[The effect of acute cellular rejection on liver function following orthoptic liver transplantation. Quantitative functional studies with the 14C-aminopyrine breath test].

To test the effect of acute cellular rejection on liver function as represented by cytochrome-P-450 enzyme activity, the 14C-aminopyrine breath test (ABT) was performed prospectively in 46 patients (31 men, 15 women; mean age 48 [15-66] years) who had undergone a total of 50 orthotopic liver transplantations. Routine biochemical tests were performed daily until the 30th postoperative day, while the ABT was done daily on days 1-10 and three times weekly on days 11-30, and liver puncture biopsies were obtained once weekly or more often if there was clinical suspicion of rejection. Histologically confirmed cellular rejection occurred within the stated period of observation in eight patients (five women, three men; median age 45 [18-59] years). Results of routine laboratory tests (transaminases, bilirubin, thromboplastin time), as well as bile-flow and body temperature, did not vary uniformly. On the other hand, results of ABT at the time of rejection showed a decrease in all patients by an average of 65% (P < 0.01). Changes in the ABT preceded those in other tests by 1-2 days in four patients, being the only measurable functional abnormality in one. All rejection episodes responded to glucocorticoid pulse-treatment (three times 1 g methyl-prednisolone). Using ABT results as criterion, liver function became normal after the glucocorticoid injection within 4-11 days. These data indicate that the ABT is suitable in the routine monitoring of transplant function, thus facilitating early diagnosis and controlled treatment of acute cellular rejection.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of renal function in renal transplant patients using cystatin C. A comparison to other renal function markers and estimates.

To date, little evidence is available to define the role of cystatin C in patients with renal transplants. Thus, to assess, whether cystatin C (CysC) provides better information on renal function than other markers, CysC, creatinine clearance (CrCl), serum creatinine (SCr), beta2-microglobulin (beta2-M), and 125I-Iothalamate clearance were determined in 30 patients. Correlation and ROC curves were obtained and characteristics like sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Further, to evaluate the usefulness of these markers for monitoring, intraindividual coefficients of variation for CysC and SCr measurements were compared in 85 renal transplant patients. CysC correlated best with GFR, whereas SCr, CrCl and beta2-M all had lower correlation coefficients. CysC was superior to SCr, even when renal function equations of were used. The diagnostic accuracy of CysC was significantly better than SCr. but did not differ significantly from CrCl and beta2-M. Together, our data show that in patients with renal transplants, CysC has a similar diagnostic value as CrCl. However, it is superior to determinations of SCr. The intraindividual variation of CysC is significantly greater than that of SCr. This might be due to better ability of CysC to reflect temporary changes especially in mildly impaired GFR, most critical for early detection of rejection and other function impairment. In conclusion, CysC allows for easy and accurate assessment of renal function (GFR) in steady state renal transplant patients and is clearly superior to the commonly used serum creatinine.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Indoor air pollution and its effect on pulmonary function of adult non-smoking women: II. Associations between nitrogen dioxide and pulmonary function.

The association between nitrogen dioxide levels in homes and pulmonary function of 97 non-smoking adult women was investigated in a rural area in the Netherlands. The study population was a sub-sample of a longitudinal field study on chronic non-specific lung diseases which was started in 1965. Pulmonary function tests were performed at three-yearly intervals. NO2 was measured for one week in the winter in kitchen, living room and bedroom of each home. Cross-sectional analyses showed negative associations between NO2 exposure and several pulmonary function parameters as measured in the 1982 study. No significant association could be found between NO2 exposure and pulmonary function decline since the start of the study.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Functional magnetic resonance imaging identifies abnormal visual cortical function in patients with occipital lobe epilepsy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can reliably identify lateralized cortical dysfunction in patients with suspected occipital lobe epilepsy. METHODS: We compared visual cortical function of 10 patients with intractable occipital lobe epilepsy with nine control subjects' fMRI. Visual stimulation by using an alternating checkerboard pattern results in transient increases in the intensity of the proton magnetic resonance signal of water in the occipital lobes during echo-planar imaging. We used these stimulus-dependent changes in signal intensity to construct functional activation maps, which we registered onto anatomic images. RESULTS: After full-field stimulation, none of the patients with occipital lobe epilepsy had normal activation patterns, whereas eight of the nine control subjects had normal patterns (p = 0.001). Abnormalities consisted of either a markedly asymmetric activation pattern in six of 10 patients (p = 0.04), or a complete absence of activation in four of 10 patients (p = 0.05). The abnormal side of activation was concordant with the side of seizure onset in all six patients with asymmetric activation maps. Half-field stimulation produced less reliable results. Although more patients had abnormal activation maps than did controls with half-field stimulation (p = 0.04), the abnormal side was discordant with the side of seizure onset in three of the five patients who had markedly asymmetric activation patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that fMRI with full-field stimulation is a reliable, noninvasive method for identifying areas of abnormal visual cortical function ipsilateral to the epileptogenic region in patients with occipital lobe epilepsy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Left ventricular diastolic function after anthracycline chemotherapy in childhood: relation with systolic function, symptoms, and pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVES: To examine left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients previously treated with anthracycline drugs for childhood malignancy. To consider clinical relevance, relations with systolic dysfunction, and the pathophysiology of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. DESIGN: Cross sectional echocardiographic study of LV function. SETTING: Supraregional centre for paediatric cardiology, principal centre for the treatment of childhood malignancy in southwest England. PATIENTS: 226 of 236 patients surviving between 6.5 months and 17 (median 5.3) years from initial anthracycline treatment for childhood malignancy attended for clinical and echocardiographic examination. Cumulative anthracycline doses were between 50 and 750 (median 300) mg/m2. 22 patients had also received cardiac irradiation. METHODS: Detailed assessment of transmitral diastolic pulsed wave Doppler flow patterns along with LV dimensions and systolic function measured by M mode echocardiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak early (E) and atrial (A) phase filling velocities and EA ratio, time and acceleration and deceleration to and from peak E velocity, velocity integrals and ratio, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and heart rate were measured. Results were examined in relation to LV cavity and posterior wall dimensions and shortening fraction (SF), and compared with paired control data matched for body surface area. RESULTS: Eleven (5%) patients had abnormal effort tolerance. Fifty one (23%) had SF < 30% and SF was inversely correlated with cumulative dose and time from treatment. The relative risk of symptomatic cardiac failure was greatly increased by prior irradiation; > 60% of irradiated patients who received > 400 mg/m2 of anthracycline were symptomatic. Early diastolic filling was relatively normal or enhanced at low anthracycline doses or when SF was preserved, with a shorter IVRT and increased atrial phase filling. Early filling was reduced at higher doses or with reduced SF, with longer IVRT and a further increase in atrial phase filling. A more "restrictive" pattern of diastolic filling (with high E and low A velocities) was seen in some patients, particularly after cardiac irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Significant abnormalities of diastolic function are associated with anthracycline induced cardiac damage. These are not linearly related to anthracycline dose but appear to reflect the underlying myocardial pathophysiology associated with anthracycline toxicity, which is not demonstrated by the standard M mode echocardiogram. Although the overall clinical significance of such diastolic dysfunction is uncertain, some individual abnormalities may have significant management and therapeutic implications.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Relationship of lung function loss to level of initial function: correcting for measurement error using the reliability coefficient.

The regression of lung function change on the initial lung function level is biased when the initial level is measured with random error. Several methods have been proposed to obtain unbiased estimates of regression coefficients in such circumstances. We apply these methods to examine the relationship between lung function loss over 11 years and its initial level in 433 men aged about 20 when first seen. On theoretical and practical grounds the best method is the correction of the regression coefficient using the reliability coefficient. This is defined as the ratio of the error free variance to the variance of the variable measured with error, and is easily estimated as the correlation between repeat measurements of the underlying level. In young men the loss of some lung functions (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced expiratory flow in the middle half of expiration, and the ratio FEV1/FVC) do not appear to be related to initial level.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Lung function in young adults: evidence for differences in the chronological age at which various functions start to decline.

In order to gather prospective information on the chronological age at which lung functions start to decline, follow-up measurements were carried out on 38 young adults (30 men and eight women) whose respiratory and cardiac function had been studied previously in the course of a survey of high school students. In the 15 subjects who had reached adult height at the time of the first study, only the vital capacity showed no change between studies, while forced expiratory flow rates (FEV1, MMEF), transfer factor (TLCO) and alveolar volume (VA) all decreased. By contrast, in the 23 subjects who had grown in stature since the previous tests, there was an increase in the slow and forced vital capacity, no consistent change in FEV1 and MMEF, and a decrease in TLCO. The findings are consistent with the view that the age-related decline does not start at the same chronological age for all lung functions, and suggest that structural changes associated with biological "aging" affect some functions before others. The results also illustrate the inadequacy of predicting values for early adulthood by backward extrapolation from later decades or forward extrapolation from the teens, and underline the need for comprehensive studies to elucidate the pattern of change which accompanies growth, maturation, and early adulthood.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Amino acid-enriched glucose-insulin-potassium infusion improves hemodynamic function after coronary bypass surgery. A double-blind study in patients with unstable angina and/or compromised left ventricular function.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the effects of a combination of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) and the amino acids aspartate and glutamate upon perioperative hemodynamics in coronary surgery patients with unstable angina and/or compromised left ventricular function. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, and double-blind clinical study. SETTING: Operating theatre and intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 44 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients with unstable angina and/or compromised left ventricular function. INTERVENTIONS: 22 patients (group A) were given 1l of an infusion with 250g glucose, 100 I.U. fast-acting human insulin, 72 mmol potassium, 32 mmol magnesium, 20 mmol phosphate, 65 mmol aspartate, and 65 mmol glutamate, while another 22 patients (group C) were given 1l of an infusion with 50 g glucose, 72 mmol potassium, 32 mmol magnesium, and 8 mmol phosphate. The infusion rate was 1.2 ml/kg/h from the anesthesia induction onward to the commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass, when it was reduced to 0.8 ml/kg/h. When 11 had been infused, but not later than 4 a.m., the infusion was continued by giving 10% glucose at the same rate to both groups. Additional insulin (median: 14.2 I.U., range: 0-41.5) or saline was given during bypass to the A and C patients, respectively. A blood cardioplegia technique containing aspartate and glutamate was used in both groups. RESULTS: At aortic cannulation, the cardiac index (CI) had increased from the pre-anesthetic level by 15.3% (mean) (SD: 31.7%) in group A and decreased by 7.7% (15.1%) in C patients, p = 0.0069. Also the changes in stroke index (SI; p = 0.022), left (LVSWI; p = 0.0037) and right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI; p = 0.0097) were more favorable in group A. Despite longer aortic cross-clamp, p = 0.031, and perfusion times, p = 0.042, in A patients, the change in cardiac index was also better in this group after bypass: At decannulation, the difference between mean values was 31.8%, p = 0.0001, and at arrival in the ICU it was 16.1%, p = 0.028. The same was also seen 8 h postoperatively and on the 1st and 2nd postoperative mornings; p = 0.034, 0.040, and 0.037, respectively (Wilcoxon test). Favorable changes were seen for the A patients also regarding SI at decannulation (p = 0.0002) and after 8 h (p = 0.017); LVSWI at decannulation (p = 0.0002), at arrival in the ICU (p = 0.0023), and after 8 h (p = 0.0011); and RVSWI at decannulation (p = 0.0027), at the ICU (p = 0.021), after 8 h (p = 0.014), and on the 1st postoperative morning (p = 0.039). However, the response to a hemodynamic loading test (6% hydroxyethyl starch 5 ml/kg) was similar in the 2 groups, and there was no difference in the need for inotropic support. CONCLUSIONS: Amino acid-enriched GIK infusion improves hemodynamic function in CABG patients with unstable angina and/or compromised left ventricular function.

Aged↗

PubMed1985

Deficiency of the adhesive protein complex lymphocyte function antigen 1, complement receptor type 3, glycoprotein p150,95 in a girl with recurrent bacterial infections. Effects on phagocytic cells and lymphocyte functions.

A patient presenting delayed umbilical cord detachment, severe recurrent bacterial infections, and inability to form pus exhibited a profound defect in the expression of alpha- and beta-chains of the receptor for the C3bi fragment of C3 (CR3), lymphocyte function antigen 1 (LFA-1) molecule, and the p150,95 molecule found on neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocyte membranes. This was shown by immunofluorescence studies using specific monoclonal antibodies, rosette formation with C3bi-coated erythrocytes, and immunoprecipitation for the LFA-1 complex. These membrane defects were responsible for abnormal phagocytic cell functions including adherence to nylon wool, cell movement, phagocytosis, and opsonized particle-induced oxidative response and for defective natural killer cell activity. In addition, lymphocyte function deficiencies previously unobserved in this disease were found. Cytolytic T lymphocyte activity was profoundly reduced; alpha- and gamma-interferon production were impaired. Finally, there was no antibody production to vaccinal antigens whereas the antibody responses to polysaccharides and to cytomegalovirus were found to be normal. The cytotoxic T cell deficiency could be expected from previous blocking experiments of this function with monoclonal antibodies to LFA-1 and is probably related to an extremely severe deficiency in LFA-1 expression in this patient. Anomalies in interferon and in antibody production suggest additional role(s) of the LFA-1 complex in monocyte/T lymphocyte/B lymphocyte cell interactions that have not yet been envisaged.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1999

(-)-Enantiomer EMD 57439 antagonizes the Ca2+ sensitizing effect of (+)-enantiomer EMD 57033 on diastolic function but not on systolic function in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes.

EMD 53998 (5-[1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-quinolyl]-6-meth yl-3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-2-one), the racemic mixture of (+)-enantiomer EMD 57033 and (-)-enantiomer EMD 57439, is a prototype of Ca2+ sensitizers that act via a central and/or down-stream mechanism in cardiac E-C coupling. In rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes loaded with indo-1/AM, EMD 53998 and EMD 57033 shifted the relationship between Ca2+ transients and cell shortening (systolic function) to the left to the same extent as compared with that of elevation of [Ca2+]o. EMD 57439 did not elicit a positive inotropic effect (PIE). The PIE of EMD 57033 was associated with a more pronounced decrease in the diastolic cell length than that of EMD 53998, whereas the systolic effects of these compounds were equivalent. These results indicate that weak phosphodiesterase (PDE) III inhibition may exert a differential action on diastolic and systolic function. Thus, EMD 57439 antagonizes the Ca2+-sensitizing effect of EMD 57033 on diastolic function with no effect on systolic function, which may lead to a decrease in diastolic cell length of a lesser extent with the racemate EMD 53998 compared with (+)-enantiomer EMD 57033.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2001

Pulmonary function in patients with reduced left ventricular function: influence of smoking and cardiac surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The impact of stable, chronic heart failure on baseline pulmonary function remains controversial. Confounding influences include previous coronary artery bypass or valve surgery (CABG), history of obesity, stability of disease, and smoking history. DESIGN: To control for some of the variables affecting pulmonary function in patients with chronic heart failure, we analyzed data in four patient groups, all with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] < or =35%): (1) chronic heart failure, nonsmokers, no CABG (n = 78); (2) chronic heart failure, nonsmokers, CABG (n = 46); (3) chronic heart failure, smokers, no CABG (n = 40); and (4) chronic heart failure, smokers, CABG (n = 48). Comparisons were made with age- and gender-matched patients with a history of coronary disease but no LV dysfunction or smoking history (control subjects, n = 112) and to age-predicted norms. RESULTS: Relative to control subjects and percent-predicted values, all groups with chronic heart failure had reduced lung volumes (total lung capacity [TLC] and vital capacity [VC]) and expiratory flows (p < 0.05). CABG had no influence on lung volumes and expiratory flows in smokers, but resulted in a tendency toward a reduced TLC and VC in nonsmokers. Smokers with chronic heart failure had reduced expiratory flows compared to nonsmokers (p < 0.05), indicating an additive effect of smoking. Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was reduced in smokers and in subjects who underwent CABG, but not in patients with chronic heart failure alone. There was no relationship between LV size and pulmonary function in this population, although LV function (cardiac index and stroke volume) was weakly associated with lung volumes and DLCO. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with chronic heart failure have primarily restrictive lung changes with smoking causing a further reduction in expiratory flows.

Aged↗

PubMed1977

Clinical significance of pulmonary function tests. Pulmonary function after uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

Derangement of pulmonary function following myocardial infarction is related to the severity of hemodynamic dysfunction. Abnormalities of pulmonary function appear even in patients without clinical or radiologic evidence of congestive failure. There is a reduction in vital capacity and rates of air flow. There is evidence for dysfunction of "small airways" and diminished ventilation to dependent parts of the lung. Total lung capacity may be normal or reduced, and residual volume may be increased slightly in uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Residual volume falls with more pronounced pulmonary congestion and edema. Distribution of pulmonary perfusion is altered after myocardial infarction, with a shift of perfusion away from the dependent parts of the lung (bases) towards the apices. Pulmonary gas exchange is impaired, with hypoxemia (due to both ventilation-perfusion inequality and increased shunting); and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide is diminished. Dead space is increased. The basic pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for abnormalities of pulmonary function is increased pulmonary water, which may be very minimal with uncomplicated myocardial infarction and stay primarily in the pulmonary interstitial space, but becomes progressively more severe with eventual alveolar flooding and marked impairment of pulmonary function.

Humans↗

PubMed1984

Amrinone therapy in patients with heart failure. Lack of improvement in functional capacity and left ventricular function at rest and during exercise.

Short-term amrinone therapy has been shown to exert beneficial hemodynamic effects in patients with heart failure. To determine whether this improvement persists longer, the effects of maximally tolerated doses of amrinone on exercise duration, oxygen consumption, and left ventricular function and volumes were examined during maintenance therapy. After four weeks of amrinone therapy, 75 to 150 mg three times a day (mean 292 +/- 70 mg daily), treadmill exercise duration, maximal oxygen consumption, and functional class were unchanged from control values. Radionuclide-derived ejection fraction and end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were not altered at rest or during maximal supine exercise. Similarly, significant changes in echocardiographic end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions did not occur. This lack of clinical benefit on functional capacity and left ventricular function, together with frequent adverse reactions, will limit the application of amrinone in the treatment of heart failure. These findings are relevant to the investigation of amrinone-like derivations presently being studied for the treatment of heart failure. Before their release, these agents will require careful evaluation and demonstration of a therapeutic action during maintenance therapy, together with a low incidence of adverse reactions.

Administration, Oral↗