Chest
-
Comparative Study
Accurate, noninvasive continuous monitoring of cardiac output by whole-body electrical bioimpedance.
Cardiac output (CO) is measured but sparingly due to limitations in its measurement technique (ie, right-heart catheterization). Yet, in recent years it has been suggested that CO may be of value in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment titration of cardiac patients, especially those with congestive heart failure (CHF). We examine the use of a new noninvasive, continuous whole-body bioimpedance system (NICaS; NI Medical; Hod-Hasharon, Israel) for measuring CO. The aim of the present study was to test the validity of this noninvasive cardiac output system/monitor (NICO) in a cohort of cardiac patients. ⋯ The results of the present study indicate that whole-body bioimpedance CO measurements obtained by the NICO are accurate in rapid, noninvasive measurement and the follow-up of CO in a wide range of cardiac clinical situations.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Spinal prostaglandin formation and pain perception following thoracotomy: a role for cyclooxygenase-2.
Prostaglandins (PGs) generated in the spinal cord may play a major role in pain perception. Consequently, the suppression of spinal cyclooxygenase (COX) and PG formation may contribute to the analgesic effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pain following surgery. Which isoform of COX is responsible for postsurgical pain and, consequently, should be targeted, is unclear. ⋯ Increases in spinal PG synthesis after thoracotomy are repressed by a selective COX-2 inhibitor. This suggests that the inducible COX-2 mediates central PG synthesis, which may be important in the generation of pain, as the use of nimesulide also resulted in significant decreases in postoperative pain perception.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Office spirometry significantly improves early detection of COPD in general practice: the DIDASCO Study.
To determine if spirometry is essential for the early detection of COPD in general practice, compared to the screening value of a short questionnaire. ⋯ The use of a spirometer is mandatory if early stages of OLD are to be detected in general practice. Screening for airflow obstruction almost doubles the number of known patients with OLD.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Symptoms, respirator use, and pulmonary function changes among New York City firefighters responding to the World Trade Center disaster.
New York City firefighters responding to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster on September 11, 2001, were exposed to numerous hazards. A medical screening program was conducted 3 weeks after the disaster on a sample of firefighters. ⋯ The symptoms and pulmonary function changes following exposure at the WTC demonstrate the need for improvements in respirators and their use, as well as long-term medical monitoring of rescue workers.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of anaerobic training in children with cystic fibrosis: a randomized controlled study.
Children's physical activity patterns are characterized by short-term anaerobic activities. Anaerobic exercise performance in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has received little attention compared to aerobic performance. This study investigated the effects of anaerobic training in children with CF. ⋯ Anaerobic training has measurable effects on aerobic performance (although not sustained), anaerobic performance, and health-related quality of life in children with CF. Therefore, anaerobic training could be an important component of therapeutic programs for CF patients.