Thorax
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Should we judge a mask by its cover?
A table of the approximate ranges of inspired oxygen delivered at given oxygen flow rates is often given on the packaging of oxygen masks. A study was carried out to check the inspired oxygen concentration given by one of the new masks, which has been designed to be used with or without the Venturi attachment as a result of the proposal to use it without the Venturi attachment as a general purpose mask for emergency use. ⋯ The labelling on the packaging of oxygen masks may lead to inappropriate use by those not expert in prescribing oxygen therapy. Caution is still needed when a single multipurpose mask is being selected for emergency use, where accurate delivery of low concentrations of oxygen is vital for some patients.
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Published predicted values for total lung capacity and residual volume are often based on a small number of subjects and derive from different populations from predicted spirometric values. Equations from the only two large studies gave smaller predicted values for total lung capacity than the smaller studies. A large number of subjects have been studied from a population which has already provided predicted values for spirometry and transfer factor for carbon monoxide. ⋯ These population based prediction equations for TLC, RV and RV/TLC provide reference standards in a population that has provided reference standards for spirometry and single breath transfer factor for carbon monoxide.
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Comparative Study
Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for the diagnosis of pulmonary consolidations of unknown aetiology.
Ultrasound has been used to guide percutaneous aspiration biopsy of thoracic tumours with high diagnostic yield. This study assessed the diagnostic value of ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology. ⋯ Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy is a valuable method for diagnosing pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology. The diagnostic yield is high and the procedure appears to be relatively safe.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Dyspnoea assessed by visual analogue scale in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease during progressive and high intensity exercise.
A study was carried out to determine whether rating of dyspnoea by means of a visual analogue scale during a progressive exercise test is affected by the subject's awareness of the progressive nature of the protocol. ⋯ The results suggest that in most patients with chronic obstructive lung disease the assessment of exercise induced dyspnoea by means of a visual analogue scale during a progressive exercise test is not affected by the subject's awareness of the progressive increase in work intensity.
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Domiciliary assisted ventilation, using negative or positive pressure devices, is an effective treatment for respiratory failure due to chest wall deformity and neuromuscular disease. Negative pressure ventilators have been used with some success in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease in hospital, but attempts to continue treatment at home have been disappointing. This study evaluates the practicalities of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation at home in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and the effect on sleep and quality of life. ⋯ Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation can be used effectively at home during sleep in selected patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Its future place in management can be established only by formal comparison with long term oxygen therapy.