Chest
-
to characterize gas exchange and cardiopulmonary performance during maximal progressive arm crank exercise. ⋯ Maximal arm crank exercise represents a submaximal cardiopulmonary stress compared to maximal leg exercise. The differences in gas exchange observed at peak exercise between arm crank and leg exercise for the most part reflect the lower VO2 achieved. However, the persistence of these gas exchange differences even at a comparable level of VO2 suggests that factors other than VO2 may be operative. These factors may include differences in alveolar ventilation, CO2 production, ventilation-perfusion inequality, diffusion, and control of breathing.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of fast vs slow intralipid infusion on gas exchange, pulmonary hemodynamics, and prostaglandin metabolism.
Intralipid (20 percent, 500 ml) was infused fast (5 h) or slow (10 h) randomly in patients with lung injury to relate changes in plasma prostaglandin (PG) concentrations to gas exchange and pulmonary hemodynamics. Data were collected at baseline, midpoint of infusion, and 2 h following infusion. Vasodilator and vasoconstrictor PG metabolites, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane B2, respectively, were measured in radial arterial blood samples. ⋯ Prostaglandin levels did not change significantly during either infusion. However, in both groups when the PG substrate was removed, hemodynamic and metabolite values decreased in parallel. In conclusion, we were unable to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship between plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 and the observed pulmonary hemodynamic response to slow or fast Intralipid infusion.
-
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation reduces inspiratory muscle electromyographic activity among patients with restrictive ventilatory failure. It has therefore been suggested that the reduction of energy expenditure at night could result in improved inspiratory muscle function during the day. Reported successes with nocturnal ventilation have not included measurements of inspiratory muscle endurance. ⋯ Inspiratory muscle endurance measured using a pressure threshold load (mean mouth pressure = 45 percent MIPRV) improved from 7.1 +/- 3.4 minutes at baseline to 14.8 +/- 7.6 minutes at 3 months, an improvement sustained at 14 months. There was no change in measured lung volumes or respiratory muscle strength. We conclude that the improvement in nocturnal gas exchange, daytime functioning, and arterial blood gases resulting from nocturnal positive pressure ventilation is associated with an increase in inspiratory muscle endurance sustained at 14 months.
-
We used a pain questionnaire to evaluate the prevalence and functional significance of long-term postthoracotomy pain. Data on 56 patients who were at least 2 months postsurgery were analyzed. Thirty patients (54 percent) with a median follow-up of 19.5 months had persistent pain; 26 others were pain free at a median of 30.5 months postthoracotomy. ⋯ Five of 56 patients had sufficiently severe chronic pain to require either daily analgesic use, nerve blocks, relaxation therapy, acupuncture, or referral to a pain clinic. We conclude that long-term chest wall pain is common postthoracotomy. It is generally not severe, but a small proportion of patients may experience persistent, moderately disabling pain.
-
Case Reports
Endobronchial actinomycosis simulating bronchogenic carcinoma. Diagnosis by bronchial biopsy.
Five cases of actinomycosis of the main bronchi or trachea which were suggestive clinically of bronchogenic carcinoma are described. In four patients the correct diagnosis was made by a bronchial biopsy or wash, or both. ⋯ A concomitant endobronchial lipoma was found in one of the patients. The diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis by bronchial biopsy may save the patient major surgical intervention.