Physiological research
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Physiological research · Jan 2003
Hyperoxia prevents carrageenan-induced enlargement of functional residual lung capacity in rats.
Experimental pneumonia induced by intratracheal application of carrageenan or paraquat increases the functional residual lung capacity (FRC) in rats. The mechanism of this increase is not clear, but a decrease in PO(2) may be involved. To test this possibility, we attempted to eliminate the PO(2) decrease in carrageenan-treated rats by exposing them to hyperoxia. ⋯ Carrageenan application induced a FRC increase (Car+A 2.0+/-0.2 ml, C 1.6+/-0.1 ml), which was not seen in carrageenan-treated rats exposed to hyperoxia (Car+O(2) 1.6+/-0.1 ml). Hyperoxia alone did not affect the value of FRC (O(2) 1.5+/-0.1 ml). These results support the hypothesis that a decrease in PO(2) plays an important role in the carrageenan-induced increase of FRC in rats.
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Physiological research · Jan 2003
ReviewEnteral nutrition and hepatosplanchnic region in critically ill patients - friends or foes?
Enteral nutrition (EN) is a preferred way of feeding in critically ill patients unless obvious contraindications such as ileus or active gastrointestinal bleeding are present. Early enteral nutrition as compared to delayed EN or total parenteral nutrition decreases morbidity in postsurgical and trauma patients. The hepatosplanchnic region plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. ⋯ Interestingly, the results of recent clinical studies suggest that early enteral nutrition may not be harmful even in patients with circulatory compromise. Nevertheless, possible onset of serious complications, the non-occlusive bowel necrosis in particular, have to be kept in mind. Unfortunately, there is only a limited number of clinically applicable monitoring tools for the effects of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients.
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Physiological research · Jan 2003
Comparative StudySerum alpha-glutathione S-transferase as a sensitive marker of hepatocellular damage in patients with cystic fibrosis.
The aim of the study was to evaluate serum a-glutathione S-transferase (s-GSTA) levels in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to compare s-GSTA with other liver function tests and with a hepatic ultrasound scan (US). The cytosolic enzyme, alpha-glutathione S-transferase is predominantly found in the liver and is distributed uniformly in the liver tissue. In our study s-GSTA levels were measured in 37 CF patients aged 1 to 28 years (mean age 10.4 years, 24 males). ⋯ One other patient had abnormal hepatic US, but normal standard liver tests and s-GSTA. The study has suggested that a raised s-GSTA level might be a marker of possible pathological changes of the hepatobiliar system in CF patients. Serum GSTA seems to be a more sensitive marker than transaminases for the monitoring of hepatocellular integrity and as an early predictor of hepatic damage.