PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Lung function”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 883 records · Page 49Linked to original sources

Lung function and respiratory health in adolescents of very low birth weight.

AIMS: To determine if very low birth weight (VLBW; birth weight <1500 g) is associated with reduced lung function and respiratory health in adolescence and, if it is, whether this impairment is associated with prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction. METHODS: A geographically defined cohort of 128 VLBW infants and an age, sex, and school matched comparison group born in 1980/81 were studied. The cohort and comparison group were assessed at 15 years of age. The birth weight ratio of the index cases (observed birth weight/expected birth weight for the gestation) was determined to assess the degree of growth restriction. Respiratory support received during the neonatal period was obtained from hospital records. Smoking habits and respiratory morbidity were obtained through questionnaires. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced expiratory flow when 25-75% of FVC is expired (FEF(25-75%)) were measured using a portable spirometer. The values are expressed as percentage predicted for height, age, and gender using standard reference values. Adjustments were made for smoking habits of mother and children. RESULTS: The differences in means between index and comparison groups for FEF(25-75%) (-12.42%; p < 0.001) and FEV1/FVC (-3.53%; p < 0.001) ratio were statistically significant. The differences in FVC and FEV1 were not significant. No correlation was found between the birth weight ratio and lung function among the index cohort. Chronic cough, wheezing, and asthma were more common among the index cohort than in the comparison group. Within the index group, there was no difference in lung function between those who received and those who did not receive respiratory support. CONCLUSION: Adolescents who were VLBW compared with matched controls showed medium and small airways obstruction. This was associated with prematurity rather than intrauterine growth restriction or having received respiratory support during the neonatal period. The index VLBW cohort compared with their controls were also more prone to chronic cough, wheezing, and asthma.

Adolescent↗

Association between level of physical activity and lung function among Norwegian men and women: the HUNT study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between level of physical activity in 1984-1986 and 1995-1997 and lung function in 1995-1997 among Norwegian men and women aged 28-80 years. DESIGN: In 1984-1986 and 1995-1997, all residents of Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway, aged > or =20 years were invited to participate in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Studies. These analyses included a sample that took part in both studies and underwent spirometry (n = 8047). We used linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders stratified by sex and age groups (28-49 years, 50-69 years and > or =70 years) to estimate the association between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and physical activity. RESULTS: Men and women who were physically active in 1985 and 1995 had the highest lung function in both sexes and in all age groups. The reduction in FEV1 ranged from 20 ml to 170 ml, similar to 1-7% of predicted values dependent on physical activity level. Lung function was also associated with body mass index (BMI), height, smoking and subjective health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that a high level of physical activity corresponds to about 3-5 years of normal decline in FEV1 (30 ml/year), and may therefore overcome the disadvantages of a decline in FEV1 from increasing age.

Adult↗

Birth weight at term and lung function in adolescence: no evidence for a programmed effect.

It has been suggested that factors which influence low birth weight at term may be associated with reduced lung function in later life. This hypothesis was investigated in a comparative (retrospective) cohort study of 164 matched pairs of subjects where the observers responsible for tracing and studying the subjects were unaware of their case or control status. The subjects, born in Cardiff between 1975 and 1977, were of mean age 15.7 years. Cases (low birth weight (< 2500 g) at term) were matched with controls (normal birth weight (3000-3800 g) at term) for sex, parity, place of birth, date of birth, and gestation. Lung function was measured using a portable spirometer. The corrected mean differences (95% confidence interval) in forced vital capacity (FVC) and flow when 50% or 25% of the FVC remains in the lungs between the cases and controls were respectively -41 ml (-140 to 58), -82 ml/sec (-286 to 122), and -83 ml/sec (-250 to 83). None of these differences were statistically significant. These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that low birth weight at term is associated with reduced lung function in adolescence.

Adolescent↗

Effect of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis on lung function in children with cystic fibrosis.

RATIONALE: The relationship between sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus and progression of pulmonary function is not yet established in cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate onset of A. fumigatus sensitization and development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), as well as to determine the physiologic factors of lung function influencing these mechanisms in CF. METHODS: Serial annual lung function tests performed in 122 children with CF (62 males; 60 females; age: 6-18 yr) provided data pertaining to FRC measured by plethysmography, lung clearance index, volume of trapped gas, effective specific airway resistance, and forced expiratory indices (FEV1, FEF at 50% VC). Specific IgE to recombinant A. fumigatus allergens, rAspf1 and rAspf3, served as marker for sensitization, and to rAspf4 and rAspf6 as indications for a serologic ABPA, were clinically diagnosed (Nelson criteria). By linear mixed-effect model analysis, five patient groups, (1) not sensitized and free from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (2) intermittently P. aeruginosa colonized, (3) chronically P. aeruginosa infected, (4) sensitized, and (5) with ABPA, were retrospectively evaluated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A. fumigatus sensitization was best reflected by increased rAspf1+3-specific IgE levels, whereas, in most patients, sensitization was preceded by P. aeruginosa infection. Patients with ABPA demonstrated the most severe progression in all lung function parameters, and FEF at 50% VC, volume of trapped gas, and effective specific airway resistance were the best predictors (p < 0.0001). However, regarding distinction between sensitization to A. fumigatus and development of ABPA in the course of CF, chronic P. aeruginosa infection has to be taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Airway narrowing, gas trapping, and small airway disease are the major targets for functional derangement in ABPA.

Adolescent↗

[Effects of -30 degrees head down tilt on lung function].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of short-term simulated weightlessness on lung function in healthy males. METHOD: -30 degrees head down tilt for 45 min was used to simulate short-period weightlessness. Lung function of 12 healthy males, aged 18-21, were studied with plethysmography during seating, supine and head down tilt positions. At the same time, blood flow in pulmonary artery and function of right ventricle were measured with Doppler Echo-Cardiography. Comparative analysis was done. RESULT: As body position changed from seating or supine into head down tilt, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, MVV, VA and IVC decreased. The change of MVV was the most prominent (P < 0.000). As the position changed, pulmonary diffusion increased dramatically (DL(CO) P<0.001, K(CO) P<0.000). CONCLUSION: HDT may lead to a decrease of pulmonary ventilation and lung capacity. The increased pulmonary diffusion might be related to uniform distribution of pulmonary blood flow and increased effective pulmonary vascular bed.

Adolescent↗

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in poultry confinement workers in Western Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether poultry production methods impact respiratory health, and whether poultry farmers have more respiratory symptoms and lower lung function than comparison control groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba during the winters of 1997 to 1999. POPULATION: Three hundred three poultry workers, 241 grain farmers and 206 nonfarming control subjects were studied. Poultry workers were further classified according to the poultry housing type in which they worked, ie, workers who worked with poultry raised on the floor (floor-based operations), which included broiler/roaster, broiler/breeder and turkey operations (n=181), and workers who worked with poultry raised in a caged setting (cage-based operations), which included egg operations (n=122). INTERVENTIONS: Subjects completed a respiratory health questionnaire, which included questions on the poultry operation and work habits, and participated in lung function testing. MAIN RESULTS: Overall, this study indicated that poultry workers report greater prevalences of current and chronic respiratory symptoms than control populations, and that the type of production method (cage-based versus floor-based) appears to influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function values. Workers from cage-based operations report greater prevalences of current cough and wheeze, as well as lower mean values for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC than workers from floor-based facilities. Workers from cage-based facilities also reported greater prevalences of current and chronic cough and phlegm, as well as significantly lower FEF25-75 and FEV1/FVC values than nonfarming control subjects. Furthermore, grain farmers had lower FVC and FEV1 values than nonfarmers. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the type of poultry production system (ie, floor- versus cage-based) appears to have an effect on the respiratory response of workers from these facilities. Further studies are required to understand the physiological mechanisms of respiratory dysfunction and the relationships concerning workplace exposure among poultry workers.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

Changes in lung function measured by spirometry and the forced oscillation technique in cystic fibrosis patients undergoing treatment for respiratory tract exacerbation.

Objective measures of lung function are critical for the treatment and study of lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Spirometry is the most widely used and accepted method of pulmonary function testing in CF, but not all patients can perform the maneuvers required to obtain valid results from spirometry. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) requires less cooperation than spirometry. The goals of this study were to determine if FOT could detect changes in lung function in CF patients receiving inpatient treatment of respiratory tract exacerbations (RTEs), and to gather preliminary data on the magnitude of these changes and the variability of FOT data in such patients. We performed a retrospective chart review of CF patients admitted to the hospital for RTEs. We identified 14 patients who had both spirometry and FOT performed at the beginning and end of their treatment course. Their mean age was 15.9 years (range, 8-18). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) on admission was 62.57% predicted. FEV1 increased by 27.1 +/- 33.15% (mean +/- SD, P = 0.008). The absolute value of reactance at 5 Hz (X5) decreased by 22.3 +/- 25.1% (P = 0.005), while resistance at 5 Hz decreased by 11.6 +/- 17.3% (P = 0.025). There was a significant relationship between changes in FEV1 and X5 (P = 0.003, r2 = 0.54). Our study demonstrates that FOT can detect significant changes in lung function in CF patients receiving treatment for RTEs. We speculate that FOT can serve as an alternative method to measure lung function in CF patients unable to perform spirometry, such as young children.

Adolescent↗

[Effect of a filter system on measurement data and bacterial contamination in lung function studies].

80 measurements of the airway resistance of 20 patients did not yield any significant differences with or without using a bacterial filter (Pall PF 30) (p = 0.1213). Likewise, lung function tests conducted in 61 further patients did not reveal any relevant changes caused by introducing the filter, in respect of the lung function parameters VKin, FEV1, PEF, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75 and TLCO. In these studies the flow receptors were examined for contamination by bacteria. The introduction of the bacterial filter reduced the total count of identified germs from 108, 615 to 307, i.e. by 99.7 per cent, the greatest contamination being found in those parts that were close to the patient (57.6% with filter, 97.1% without filter). Germs of the resident flora of the mouth and pharynx were identified, and occasionally also potential infectious agents such as staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pneumoniae. The use of a filter system results in a marked decrease in the exposition to germs in lung function tests, without exercising any adverse effect on the measurement data (cross-contamination risk: 0.00078%). This is also achieved--albeit to a lesser extent--by changing those parts of the flow receptor that are close to the patient (cross-contamination risk: 0.0841%). Hence, the use of a filter system appears particularly meaningful in patients with considerable immunodeficiency (advanced stages of HIV infection).

Airway Resistance↗

Longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers in nasal lavage of cotton workers. Relation to endotoxin exposure and lung function changes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate time-related changes in inflammatory markers in nasal lavage (NAL) in relation to endotoxin exposure and lung function changes. METHODS: Endotoxin in cotton dust is well known to elicit proinflammatory mediators involved in acute or chronic respiratory inflammation due to cotton dust. We applied nasal lavage as well as lung function and exposure measurements in a small group (n = 11) of cotton workers during 6 weeks of observation (after 2 weeks free of exposure). Several inflammatory markers in NAL, such as interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-6, and down-stream mediators, including soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 75 (sTNF-R75) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), cell counts, marker of epithelial response (uric acid), and marker of plasma exudation (albumin) were measured. RESULTS: At the exposure levels examined in this study [cotton dust, geometric mean (GM) = 1.10 mg/m3; endotoxin, GM = 2,869 EU/m3], several inflammatory markers in NAL such as IL-8, sTNF-R75, and albumin tended to increase through the measurement period with increasing airborne endotoxin concentration (in six workers who had paired measurements in weeks 1 and 6). Although no statistical significance was reached, airborne endotoxin exposure and all inflammatory markers in NAL were relatively higher in cotton workers with a 6-week lung function decrease. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that inflammatory markers in NAL are associated with repeated airborne endotoxin exposure.

Adult↗

Reference values and prediction equations for normal lung function in a non-smoking white urban population.

Prediction equations for normal lung function have been derived from tests on 179 healthy, non-smoking, white urban dwellers. The subjects, 96 women (height 1.46-1.77 m) and 83 men (height 1.61-1.96 m) aged 18-86 years, underwent measurements of spirometric flow and volume, multi-breath helium dilution lung volumes, and single breath carbon monoxide transfer factor and the single breath nitrogen washout test. Regression analysis using height, age, and weight as independent variables was used to provide predicted values for both sexes. Correlation coefficients were similar to those found in previous studies but normal ranges for spirometic measurements were narrower than in many previous studies, and spirometric flow and volume measurements were higher than those obtained in studies that included cigarette smokers, reflecting our more stringent criteria for selecting subjects and the newer standardised technical methods adopted. Multi-breath helium dilution values for total lung capacity were similar to those found in previous studies but the inspiratory vital capacity was larger and the residual volume reduced. Values for carbon monoxide transfer factor and the single breath nitrogen washout did not differ significantly from existing values. A complete set of lung function reference values and prediction equations for both sexes has been derived from a single population. The exclusion of cigarette smokers and subjects with respiratory symptoms has produced values that should have a greater sensitivity in the detection of mild lung disease.

Adolescent↗

Comparative study of lung function in Iranian factory workers exposed to silica dust.

The study compared lung function among 322 workers in pottery, ceramic, stone-cutter and stone-grinder factories in the west of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Concentrations of silica particles <2 microm were measured in the ambient air of factories. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower in stone-grinders compared with pottery, ceramic or stone-cutter workers and a control group. No difference in lung function was found in pottery and stone-cutter workers with less than 20 years occupation compared with controls. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in stone-grinders was higher than other workers. The concentration of silica particles of stone-grinder factories was 40-110 times higher than in ceramic and potteries factories. More attention is needed to ventilation systems and health care of stone-grinders.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Lung function changes and exercise-induced ventilatory responses to external resistive loads in normal subjects.

AIM: The aim of this study was (1) to assess the value of common lung function variables in the follow-up of patients with obstructive lesions of the larynx and trachea and (2) to study the respiratory response to progressive upper airway stenosis at rest and during exercise. METHODS: Lung function tests, including vital capacity (VC), residual volume (RV), total body plethysmographic resistance (RT), specific body plethysmographic resistance (Rs), total body plethysmographic resistance at low inspiratory/expiratory flows (Rlo), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIF), maximum expiratory flow at 50% VC(MEF50) and maximum inspiratory flow at 50% VC(MIF50) were performed in 14 normal subjects with added external resistive loads (inner diameter of circular orifice: 15, 10, 8, 6 mm; equivalent to surface areas of 177, 79, 50 and 28 mm2, respectively), applied in random order. The relative sensitivity of each variable to detect a stepwise decrease in orifice size by evoking 'relevant' obstructive responses was calculated. In addition, ventilatory and gaz exchange responses to loaded breathing (10-, 8- and 6-mm orifices, randomly inserted) during steady-state bicycle exercise (80 and 160 W) were assessed in a subgroup of 10 subjects. RESULTS: The gradual increase of external load did not influence static lung volumes (VC, RV). MEF50/MIF50 (1.63 +/- 1.03 at baseline) remained essentially unchanged, consistent with the rigid nature of the obstructive device. PEF was superior in reproducing the transition from unloaded over mild (15 mm) and moderate (10 mm) to high grade (8 mm) central obstruction. Except for mild loads, PIF was equal in sensitivity to PEF. At high grade (8 mm) and severe loads (6 mm), no difference in sensitivity could be established between RT, Rs, FEV1, PIF and PEF. However, they were all superior to Rlo. Compared to unloaded breathing, ventilation across the 10- and 8-mm orifices at both rest and exercise produced a continuous significant increase in oxygen uptake (VO2). Respiratory rate (RR) fell, and a simultaneous enlargement of tidal volume (VT) was observed to maintain or even enhance minute ventilation (VE). However, ventilation across the 6 mm orifice was associated with a substantial decline in VO2, VCO2 and VE relative to the preceding load (8 mm) CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the experimental use of inspiratory and expiratory extrinsic loads can mimic rigid obstructive lesions of the larynx and trachea. Among all conventional lung function values, PEF and, to a certain degree, PIF, seem to be the best suitable follow-up parameters to assess airway mechanics before and after surgical/endoscopic procedures. Upper airway stenosis involving surface areas of no more than 50 mm2 can be overcome using adequate respiratory compensation. But any additional narrowing below this limit will result in hypoventilation, inappropriate oxygen uptake and retention of CO2. Thus, experimental evidence indicates that laryngotracheal obstruction within a critical range below 50 mm2 surface area (diameter of circular orifice < 8 mm) compromises respiratory efforts enough to be of clinical importance.

Adult↗

Associations between lung function and estimated average exposure to NO2 in eight areas of Switzerland. The SAPALDIA Team. Swiss Study of Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults.

In this paper, we present results from the SAPALDIA study (Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults) regarding associations between lung function [forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)], as assessed during the cross-sectional study in 1991, and average levels of NO2 exposure within the eight study communities. We distinguished average home outdoor exposure and average personal exposure to NO2 and obtained exposure estimates by computing regional averages of passive sampler measurements performed by a random subsample of SAPALDIA participants in 1993. Previous analyses had revealed associations between average lung function and average air pollution levels between communities. The present results show that such associations may also be seen within communities: a 10-micrograms per m3 increase in average home outdoor and personal exposure to NO2 between zones of residence of the same community was associated with a change in average FVC by -0.59% [95% confidence limits (CL) = 0.01, -1.19] and -0.74% (95% CL = -0.07, -1.41), respectively. These values, however, are smaller than the ones found for the corresponding associations between study communities: -1.67% (95% CL = -1.01, -2.33) and -2.93% (95% CL = -2.11, -3.75), respectively. The different magnitudes of these two types of associations might be explained by differences in spatial variation between various components of air pollution.

Adult↗

Lung function in West Sussex firemen: a four year study.

Although firefighting is a hazardous occupation, published evidence of long-term lung damage in firemen is inconsistent. A group of 96 men from the West Sussex Fire Brigade, which covers a simi-rural, semi-urban area, were followed up for between one and four years. They included 31 non-smokers, 40 smokers, and 25 ex-smokers. After four years 12 firemen had been lost to the study. A control group of 69 volunteers, consisting of non-smoking men from various other occupations, were followed up in parallel. Lung function tests, covering a wider range than has been previously used in similar studies, were repeated six monthly for two years and annually for a further two years. The results were expressed in terms of the rate of change with time of the lung function variables. Many of the variables deteriorated in both firemen and controls, but the rate of deterioration was greater in the controls than the firemen for vital capacity, ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, FEV1, FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), flow at 50% and 25% remaining vital capacity (V50 and V25 respectively), and airways resistance (Raw). With respect to PEF, V50, V25, and Raw the control subjects deteriorated more rapidly even than the smokers and ex-smokers among the firemen. Alveolar mixing efficiency (AME), a measure of small airways function, did not change significantly over the study period in any group. Non-smoking firemen had the highest mean value of AME, decreasing through ex-smokers, controls, and smokers. We conclude that these results show no evidence of chronic lung damage in West Sussex firemen; indeed, the firemen as a group show a lower rate of deterioration of lung function with age than do the control subjects. This is attributed to the selection of fit men for the service, continued physical training, and the regular use of breathing apparatus.

Adolescent↗

Cumulative exposure to dust and gases as determinants of lung function decline in tunnel construction workers.

AIMS: To study the relation between lung function decrease and cumulative exposure to dust and gases in tunnel construction workers. METHODS: A total of 651 male construction workers (drill and blast workers, tunnel concrete workers, shotcreting operators, and tunnel boring machine workers) were followed up by spirometric measurements in 1989-2002 for an average of six years. Outdoor concrete workers, foremen, and engineers served as a low exposed referent population. RESULTS: The between worker component of variability was considerably reduced within the job groups compared to the whole population, suggesting that the workers within job groups had similar exposure levels. The annual decrease in FEV1 in low-exposed non-smoking workers was 21 ml and 24 ml in low-exposed ever smokers. The annual decrease in FEV1 in tunnel construction workers was 20-31 ml higher than the low exposed workers depending on job group for both non-smokers and ever smokers. After adjustment for age and observation time, cumulative exposure to nitrogen dioxide showed the strongest association with a decrease in FEV1 in both non-smokers, and ever smokers. CONCLUSION: Cumulative exposure to nitrogen dioxide appeared to be a major risk factor for lung function decreases in these tunnel construction workers, although other agents may have contributed to the observed effect. Contact with blasting fumes should be avoided, diesel exhaust emissions should be reduced, and respiratory devices should be used to protect workers against dust and nitrogen dioxide exposure.

Adult↗

Air pollution-associated changes in lung function among asthmatic children in Detroit.

In a longitudinal cohort study of primary-school-age children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan, we examined relationships between lung function and ambient levels of particulate matter < or = 10 microm and < or = 2.5 microm in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5) and ozone at varying lag intervals using generalized estimating equations. Models considered effect modification by maintenance corticosteroid (CS) use and by the presence of an upper respiratory infection (URI) as recorded in a daily diary among 86 children who participated in six 2-week seasonal assessments from winter 2001 through spring 2002. Participants were predominantly African American from families with low income, and > 75% were categorized as having persistent asthma. In both single-pollutant and two-pollutant models, many regressions demonstrated associations between higher exposure to ambient pollutants and poorer lung function (increased diurnal variability and decreased lowest daily values for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) among children using CSs but not among those not using CSs, and among children reporting URI symptoms but not among those who did not report URIs. Our findings suggest that levels of air pollutants in Detroit, which are above the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards, adversely affect lung function of susceptible asthmatic children.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Evaluation of leukocyte-reducing arterial line filter (LG6) for postoperative lung function, using cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent postoperative pulmonary dysfunction, we have investigated the effect of the Leuko-Guard 6 leukocyte-reducing arterial line filter (LG6) on postoperative lung function. METHODS: Twenty-six cases of adult valvular heart disease were included in this study. Thirteen cases were operated upon using the LG6 (Group LG), and 13 cases were operated upon using a conventional arterial line filter (Group C). Neutrophil, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase and lipoperoxide were measured for this study, and the lung function was evaluated using the Oxygenation Index (PaO2/FiO2). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in neutrophil counts between Group LG and Group C (LG = 2225 +/- 572/mm3, C = 3157 +/- 1413/mm3, p = 0.04) at 5 minutes after the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass. In simultaneous blood sampling from the pulmonary artery and the pulmonary vein, the sequestration of neutrophil in the lung decreased in Group LG after the discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Release of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase from the lungs was significantly decreased (p = 0.04) in the Group LG at 1 hour post-bypass. Significant differences were observed in the Oxygenation Index between Group LG and Group C (LG = 398 +/- 72, C = 326 +/- 71, p = 0.019) at 3 hours post-bypass. CONCLUSION: We concluded that LG6 improved the postoperative lung function, and its mechanism might be derived from the prevention of leukosequestration in the lungs that occurs during the rewarming phase due to selective absorption of activated leukocyte by the LG6.

Adsorption↗

Obesity among children residing in Mexico City and its impact on lung function: a comparison with Mexican-Americans.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence of obesity among Mexican children and its impact on ventilatory lung function. METHODS: We studied cross-sectionally 6784 students between 8 and 20 years of age attending schools located <2 km away from ten air pollution monitors located throughout metropolitan Mexico City. The comparison group was made up of 1924 Mexican-Americans of the same age, studied during the NHANES-III examination, which included information on spirometry and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Of all our subjects, 9.7% had a BMI >95(th) percentile of CDC growth charts (compared to 15.1% in Mexican-Americans) and 6.6% fulfilled the obesity criteria of the International Obesity Task Force (vs. 12.2%). Obesity was related to male gender, asthma and passive smoking. At the same height and gender, lung function was higher in Mexicans than in Mexican-Americans, perhaps due to altitude. In children 8-11 years of age, lung function increased in heavier subjects but, in older children and youths, function reached a plateau and decreased among children with highest BMI (inverted U pattern, seen in adults). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is higher in Mexican-American children and youths than in Mexicans. Spirometric function is affected adversely by obesity, especially in young people.

Adolescent↗