Pulmonary Function In Patients Research Articles

Effect of low-intensity pulmonary rehabilitation program on quality of life and pulmonary functions in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of low-intensity pulmonary rehabilitation program applied patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in terms of exercise capacity, dyspnea scale, life quality and respiratory muscle strength. METHODS: The study included 30 patients with COPD. The program was 3 days in a week, for a 6 weeks period between December 1st 2012 and August 31st 2013. Arterial blood gas (ABG), 6 minute walking test (SMWT), respiratory function tests and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated before and after treatment. St George's breathing questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess quality of life. The dyspnea scores were assessed by the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Patient approvals were obtained for the study. For analysis of results kolmogorov smirnov test, shapiro – wilk test, wilcoxon test and sample ttest were used. RESULTS: Of 30 patients participated in our study, 26 completed the treatment program. There were increases in SMWT distance (P = 0.049), forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced expiratory flow (FEF 25-75) value (P CONCLUSION: Low intensity pulmonary rehabilitation therapy has positive effects on exercise capacity, dyspnea scale, walking distance, and quality of life. Patient compliance was high in this treatment modality so according to our study results, low intensity pulmonary rehabilitation treatment can be prefer to high intensity pulmonary rehabilitation treatment in COPD.

Improvement in pulmonary function in asthmatic patients after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe association between obesity and asthma is well-established. Some evidence suggests that weight loss may improve asthma outcomes; however, the effect of bariatric surgery on pulmonary function in asthmatic patients remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the impact of bariatric surgery on patients with asthma. ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on pulmonary function in patients with asthma. SettingSystematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. MethodsA comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was conducted. The sole inclusion criterion was published studies that evaluated the effects of bariatric surgery on pulmonary function in asthmatic patients. The outcomes of interest were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC. A meta-analysis of studies comparing pre- and postsurgery spirometric measures, and of studies comparing surgery and control groups was performed. ResultsFrom 25 full-text articles, 6 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis based on the random-effects model. A significant increase in FEV1 and FVC was observed after bariatric surgery among studies without a control group (mean difference: .21 L, 95% confidence interval: .07–.35 for FEV1, and mean difference: .34 L, 95% confidence interval: .14–.53 for FVC). There was no significant change in FEV1/FVC after bariatric surgery compared with control. ConclusionsFEV1 and FVC were both found to be significantly improved after bariatric surgery; however, no significant postsurgical improvement was observed for FEV1/FVC.

Impact of burn contractures of chest wall and their surgical release on pulmonary function

BackgroundExtensive burn scars and contractures are likely to restrict the movements of the chest wall which may affect the pulmonary ventilation by restricting its expansion during inspiration. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of burn contractures of chest wall on pulmonary function and to estimate the effect of contracture release on pulmonary functions in patients with compromised PFT. MethodsPulmonary function tests (PFT) of 20 patients having chest wall contractures involving more than 50% of the chest circumference were studied. Restrictive lung disease was defined as forced vital capacity (FVC) value less than 80% of predicted normal for the age, weight, and height of that patient. Patients with a restrictive pattern on PFT were subjected to the surgical release of the contracture. PFT was repeated one month after the surgery which was compared with the initial report. ResultsOf the 20 patients included in the study, 5 (25%) patients had a restriction pattern on PFT. 1 patient had a mild restriction, 2 patients had moderate restriction and 2 patients had a severe restriction of pulmonary function. The mean duration of contracture was 58.2±15.75months in patients with a pulmonary restriction as compared to 29.87±6.21months in patients with a normal PFT (p=0.001). All patients having a restrictive pattern on PFT had contracture involvement of >75% of the chest wall circumference (p=0.0036). The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) increased from 1.94L preoperatively to 2.11L after surgical release of the contracture (p=0.047). However, the restriction pattern in PFT did remain. ConclusionLong standing chest wall contractures and contractures involving >75% of the chest circumference are likely to cause a restrictive pattern on PFT. Any significant improvement of pulmonary function after surgical release of the contracture is unlikely.

Dietary intake of fatty acids and its relationship with FEV1/FVC in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The deterioration of pulmonary function has been associated with increased levels of systemic inflammation that can be stimulated by consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fats. We hypothesized that fatty acids intake impact on pulmonary function. However, evidence about the impact of different types of fatty acids on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited and heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between intake of fatty acids and pulmonary function in patients with COPD. Cross sectional study of patients diagnosed with COPD. The relationship between consumption of fatty acids and the FEV1/FVC ratio obtained by spirometry was assessed. Patients with exacerbations during the prior 2 months, diagnosis of asthma or administration of a dietary supplement were excluded. A simple linear regression showed that for each gram of carbohydrates and total l fatty acids intake, the FEV1/FVC ratio decreased-0.03ml (β:-0.03, 95% CI-0.06 to-0.01, p=0.008) and-0.009ml (β:-0.00, 95% CI-0.02 to 0.00, p=0.031) respectively. Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) was associated with an increase of 0.47ml in the FEV1/FVC ratio for each milligram intake (β: 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.91, p=0.031). Subsequently, when adjusted for calories intake, an increase of 0.53ml was observed in the FEV1/FVC for each milligram of C15:0 fatty acid intake (β:0.53, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.97, p=0.018). A positive association was observed between pentadecanoic acid and the FEV1/FVC ratio with a beneficial effect on patients with COPD.

FDG-PET/CT Assessment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Guide for Internists.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography (18-F-FDG-PET/CT) is getting wide consensus in the diagnosis and staging of neoplastic disorders and represents a useful tool in the assessment of various inflammatory conditions. Sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease characterized by the systemic formation of noncaseating granulomas. Lungs are the sites most often affected, and investigation with high resolution computed tomography and biopsy is essential to achieve a correct diagnosis. 18-F-FDGPET/ CT is effective in the assessment of pulmonary sarcoidosis by demonstrating pulmonary and extrathoracic involvement and findings correlate well with pulmonary function in patients affected. This review would illustrate the usefulness and limits of 18-F-FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

A clinical study of lung function protection in patients with robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Objective To evaluate the effect of manipulative pulmonary protective strategy on the pulmonary function of the patients undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under multiple-mode monitoring. Methods One hundred and twenty patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were divided into 4 groups (30 cases in each group) according to ASA Ⅰ-Ⅲ. Multimodal monitoring + manual relaxation group (group Mm), multimodal monitoring group (group M), conventional anesthesia + manual relaxation group (group m) and conventional anesthesia group (group C). In group Mm and group M, propofol was infused to achieve the BIS value of 45-55, then we monitored the muscle relaxation to conduct closed-loop infusion of cisatracurium. We also monitored and managed liquid input by vigileo. Group M and group C maintained peak airway pressure (≤30 cmH2O) (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) and PETCO2 35-40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Group Mm and group m received manual lung recruitment maneuver one times every 30 min after establishment of pneumoperitoneum until the end of operation. Blood gas analysis was performed before anesthesia induction (T1), 15 min after intubation (T2), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum (T3), 30 min after pneumoperitoneum (T4), 60 min after Trendelenburg (T5), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum cessation (T6), 5 min after extubation (T7). Airway peak pressure (Ppeak) and airway plateau pressure (Pplat) were recorded. The value of dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), spiro-index (RI), dying cavity rate (VD/VT), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) and alveolar arterial PO2 difference (A-aDO2) were calculated at different time points. Results Ppeak of group Mm and group m were more stable than Ppeak of group M and group C at T3 and T4 (P<0.05). Pplat of group Mm and group m were more stable than Pplat of group M and group C at T3 and T5 (P<0.05). Oxygenation indexes of group Mm and group m were higher than indexes of group M and group C at T5-T7 (P<0.05). A-aDO2 and RI were lower than group M and group C at T4, T5, T7 (P<0.05). At T4-T6, Cdyn was higher than Cdyn in group M and group C (P<0.05). Conclusions Manipulative pulmonary protective ventilation can improve the pulmonary function in patients undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under multimode monitoring. Key words: Robot; Therapeutic laparoscopy; Protective lung ventilation; Multi-mode monitoring; Prostate cancer

Effect of continuous-infusion antibiotic therapy on pulmonary function of patients with cystic fibrosis: A cross-sectional study

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with frequent pulmonary exacerbations which increase the mortality risk. Therefore, most CF patients are chronically colonized with respiratory pathogens, the most common being Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multidrug-resistant organisms are a major problem in CF patients. It’s been hypothesized that continuous-infusion antipseudomonal beta-lactam therapy in CF maintains serum concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration of susceptible strains and is more likely than intermittent infusion to achieve optimal pharmacodynamic targets for some intermediate and resistant strains of P. aeruginosa. The most extensively studied antibiotic for continuous-infusion protocol in CF is ceftazidime, which has been shown to improve lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity) and to increase pulmonary exacerbation free time. There have been no studies to evaluate the cost effectiveness or impact on quality of life of continuous infusion versus intermittent infusion antibiotic therapy in patients with CF. Our study aims to investigate the effect of continuous-infusion antibiotic therapy on pulmonary function. Methods: Cross sectional study of CF patients who were admitted to our hospital with acute pulmonary exacerbations between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2016 and received parenteral antibiotics. We investigated the effect of use of continuous versus intermittent infusion of intravenous antibiotics on the pulmonary function (FEV1% predicted). Results: Intermittent infusion protocol was found to have a very small advantage over continuous infusion protocol on pulmonary function; however this difference is not statistically significant (p=0.0049). The longer the duration of antibiotics, the slightly better the pulmonary function at the end of the treatment, but the difference was not significant (p=0.2543). Conclusions: Even though we could not draw meaningful conclusions from our data, we would like bring attention to this subject because it carries an important therapeutic value for CF patients.

USE OF SPIROMETRY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA IN A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Introduction Guidelines recommend spirometry for diagnosing and managing asthma, but previous reports suggest that spirometry is underused, especially in patients who are nonwhite, lower income, or cared for by primary care (rather than subspecialist) physicians. Methods We conducted a restrospective cohort study that identified patients in 2014 and examined records up to 7 years prior. We included patients 18 years or older who had had a visit during 2014 where they received a diagnosis code for asthma. We excluded patients with neuromuscular conditions or history of pneumonectomy. We determined use of spirometry at the time of diagnosis and subsequently. Results We identified 394 patients; of these, 28% were men; 11% were African American and 39% identified as Latino. The majority (55%) were covered by either Medicaid or Medicare. Almost all (99%) patients received a medication for asthma during the study period. Of the 394, 208 patients (52.8 percent) received spirometry at any point; 140 (67%) of these were conducted at the time of diagnosis; 61 (29%) had a methacholine challenge at any time. Only 85 of the 208 patients who had an initial study done (and 21% of the 394) had follow-up spirometry documented. Conclusions Although guidelines recommend initial and recurrent spirometry to monitor pulmonary function in patients with asthma, only about half of patients received spirometry at the time of diagnosis and only 21% of patients received follow-up spirometry. Future interventions should focus on identifying barriers to use of spirometry for primary care physicians who treat asthma in high-risk populations.

Respiratory morbidity in children with cerebral palsy: an overview

Respiratory problems have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). In particular, recurrent aspiration, impaired airway clearance, spinal and thoracic deformity, impaired lung function, poor nutritional status, and recurrent respiratory infections negatively affect respiratory status. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia may contribute to pulmonary problems, but asthma is not more common in CP than in the general population. We discuss treatment options for each of these factors. Multiple coexisting and interacting factors that influence the respiratory status of patients with CP should be recognized and effectively addressed to reduce respiratory morbidity and mortality. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Respiratory problems are a significant cause of morbidity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Respiratory status in patients with CP is influenced by recurrent aspiration and impaired airway clearance. Spinal and thoracic deformity, impaired lung function, poor nutrition, and respiratory infections also negatively affect respiratory status. These factors should all be addressed to reduce respiratory problems in patients with CP.

Impact of respiratory muscle training on blood gases and pulmonary function among patients with cervical spinal cord injury

Background:Pulmonary difficulties is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality following spinal cord injury, which is the main cause of chronic respiratory failure in young adults.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the effect of resistive respiratory muscle training on blood gases and pulmonary function of patients with cervical spinal cord injury.Methods:Thirty six patients with complete spinal cord injury at level from C5 to C8 of both sexes (23 males and 9 females), their age ranged from 23-41 years (30.51±6.82 year) were selected from ICU of Cairo University Hospital participated in this study. Their height ranged between 149-185cm. Participants equally enrolled to either training group (group A) or control group (group B). The respiratory muscle resisted training program was started for group (A) after the clinical stability of patient condition with a threshold positive expiratory pressure device using a three-way valve system via flanged mouthpiece. The patient performed six work sets, five minutes in duration, with a rest period in between for three minutes. All patients received a 45 minutes training/day, five days/ week for six weeks. The arterial blood gases and pulmonary function test are measured before and after exercise program.Results:The mean value of heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and PH revealed significant reduction, where forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) revealed significant increase in group (A) at the end of the study. However, changes in group (B) were not significant. Moreover, there were significant differences between both groups at the end of the study (P<0.05).Conclusion:Resistive respiratory muscle training improves blood gases and pulmonary function suggesting this intervention as an efficacious therapy for patients with cervical spinal cord injury.

Thoracoscope combined with internal support system of chest wall in open reduction and internal fixation for multiple rib fractures.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of applying thoracoscope combined with internal support system of chest wall (ISSW) in minimally invasive internal fixation for rib fracture on patients with multiple rib fractures. A total of 84 patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for rib fracture from January 2017 to December 2017 in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Hospital were selected into the study, and retrospective analyses were carried out. The clinical data, pain score, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, indwelling time of thoracic tube, total drainage volume of thoracic tube for 3 days after operation, indwelling time of wound drainage tube, total drainage volume of wound drainage tube, length of stay, hospitalization costs, postoperative complications, C-reactive protein (CRP) and pulmonary function of patients in the groups were compared. The patients were followed up for prognosis for 2–4 months via re-examination, and chest numbness at 1 month after operation was recorded. Compared with that (145.27±18.80 min) in the traditional group, the operating time in the minimally invasive group (112.20±21.40 min) was shorter (p<0.05). The total drainage volume of wound drainage tube was 145.75±61.03 ml in the minimally invasive group and 248.91±93.95 ml in the traditional group (p<0.05). In addition, the chest numbness at 1 month after operation (11.8%) in the minimally invasive group was better than that (34.00%) in the traditional group (p<0.05). Postoperative pain score, CRP and pulmonary function tests were also significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). The results indicated that the application of thoracoscope combined with ISSW in minimally invasive internal fixation for rib fracture can effectively improve the prognosis of patients and reduce the length of stay and adverse reactions, and has high economic benefits, which is worthy of promotion and use in clinical practice.

Efficacy of Bedside Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Inspiratory and expiratory muscles are important for effective respiratory function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bedside respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and stroke-related disabilities in stroke rehabilitation. Patients with stroke (N = 40) in a rehabilitation unit were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n1 = 20) or the control group (n2 = 20). Both groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program. During the study period, the intervention group received bedside respiratory muscle training twice a day for 3 wks. The respiratory muscle training consisted of (1) a breath stacking exercise, (2) inspiratory muscle training, and (3) expiratory muscle training. The primary outcomes were measures of pulmonary function: forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, and peak flow. Secondary outcomes were stroke-related disabilities assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, and pneumonia incidence. Pulmonary function was significantly improved in the intervention group after 3 wks of respiratory muscle training (P < 0.05). This improvement in pulmonary function was independent of the improvement in stroke-related disabilities. Three weeks of respiratory muscle training had significant effects on pulmonary function in stroke survivors. Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Appreciate the respiratory function changes that occur in patients following a stroke; (2) Describe appropriate inspiratory and expiratory muscle training techniques to improve pulmonary function in patients following a stroke; (3) Enhance ability to implement inpatient; and (4) Determine appropriate respiratory training programs for patients following stroke. Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on the Pulmonary Function in Patients with Stroke during Manual Wheelchairs

The purpose of present study was to investigate the effect of kinesio taping on pulmonary function in stroke patients using manual wheelchairs. Twenty stroke patients were divided into a wood chair group (WCG, n=10), a wheelchairs group (WG, n=10), and a kinesio taping with wheelchairs group (KWG, n=10). Taping with wheelchairs group was applied kinesio taping on back muscles (vertical paraspinal strips and oblique strips). All three groups were trained in upright seated posture for 30 minutes. Pulmonary function tests were performed with forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow as spirometer. There was a significant increase in forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity only in KWG. The results of this study demonstrate that kinesio taping has an immediate effect on the improvement of pulmonary function in stroke patients using manual wheelchairs.

N-Acetylcysteine inhalation improves pulmonary function in patients received liver transplantation.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation on the incidence of PPCs and the outcomes of patients undergoing OLT is unknown. This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of NAC inhalation during OLT on PPCs. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to the NAC group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30) to receive inhaled NAC or sterilized water, respectively, for 30 min before surgery and 3 h after reperfusion. The incidence of early PPCs and outcomes including survival rate were assessed. Biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-8, Clara cell secretory protein (CC16), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) at T1 (before surgery) and T2 (at the end of operation) as well as in serum at T1, T2, T3 (12 h after operation), and T4 (24 h after operation). A total of 42 patients (20 in the NAC group and 22 in the control group) were enrolled in the final analysis. Atomization inhaled NAC significantly reduced the incidence of PPCs after OLT. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CC16, and ICAM-1 in EBC were significantly lower, and SOD activity was higher, at T2 in the NAC group; similar data were found in serum at T2, T3, and T4. In summary, perioperative NAC inhalation may reduce the incidence of PPCs and improve patient outcomes after OLT.

Osteogenic Sarcoma in an Adolescent With Cystic Fibrosis: Successful Treatment Despite Significant Obstacles

Introduction: We describe the case of a 16-year old male with cystic fiborosis (CF) who presented with an osteosarcoma of his right distal tibia.Case Report: Treatment consisted of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of cisplatin, doxorubicin and high dose methotrexate followed by distal tibial resection and free fibula flap reconstruction and consolidation chemotherapy. Treatment was complicated by a pulmonary exacerbation, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) and Staphylococcus aureus were grown on sputum culture which was treated with a 2-week course of intravenous piptazobactam and tobramycin. Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium abscessus were also cultured following commencement of chemotherapy and successfully treated with a 6-month course of oral azithromycin, ethambutol, and moxifloxacin along with a 1-month course of inhaled amikacin. Pulmonary function improved during his treatment from baseline FEV1 of 3.8 l (93.9%) to 4.15 l (102.3% predicted) whilst nutritional status remained stable.Discussion: The combination of CF and osteosarcoma is rare with only one previous case reported (1). Our case is instructive as the patient faced the challenge of chronic PsA and the first reported culturing and successful treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) during chemotherapy. Fatal outcomes have been reported previously for CF patients during immunosuppression (2). In concordance with our findings, a recent report noted an improvement in respiratory function in a child treated for leukemia (3). The anti-inflammatory nature of some chemotherapy agents could be responsible for the observed clinical improvement in CF with low dose methotrexate having been shown to increase FEV1 in adolescents with advanced CF (4). Whilst doxorubicin could improve pulmonary outcomes through increased total cellular CFTR protein expression and CFTR associated chloride secretion (5). It is hypothesized that the improved pulmonary function in patients with CF who require chemotherapy could be due to increased production of Multi-Drug Resistance Proteins (MDR) and Multi-Drug Resistant Associated Proteins (MRP) that may complement the depleted CFTR protein (6).Concluding Remarks: We report the well-tolerated management of osteosarcoma in a patient with CF including the first reported identification and eradication of NTM during chemotherapy. The observed positive pulmonary outcome following chemotherapy highlights several potential cellular mechanisms that deserve to be explored.

Effects of Five-month Training of Playing Harmonica on Pulmonary Function in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease: A Pilot Study

Background: Progressive muscle weakness is aggravated not only in the skeletal muscles but also in the respiratory muscles in many patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been reported as therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory strength, endurance, exercise capacity, and quality of life, and to reduce dyspnea. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of playing harmonica for 5 months on pulmonary function by assessing the force vital capacity (FVC), peak cough flow (PCF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in patients with NMD. Methods: Six subjects with NMD participated in this study. The subjects played harmonica once a week for 2 hours at a harmonica academy and twice a week for 1 hour at home. Thus, training was performed thrice a week for 23 weeks. The examiner assessed pulmonary function by measuring FVC in the sitting and supine positions and PCF, MIP, MEP, and MVV in the sitting position at the beginning of training and once a month for 5 months. Results: Both sitting and supine FVC significantly increased after playing harmonica (p=.042), as did MIP (p=.043) and MEP (p=.042). Conclusion: Playing harmonica can be used as an effective method to improve pulmonary function in patients with NMD.

Metabolic Determinants of Impaired Pulmonary Function in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Impaired lung function associates with deterioration of glycemic control and diabetes-related oxidative stress in long-standing type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that recent-onset type 2 diabetes patients exhibit abnormal pulmonary function when compared to glucose-tolerant controls and that the frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), known to associate with lung dysfunction, are different between both groups. Type 2 diabetes patients with a known disease duration<1 year (n=34) had similar age, sex distribution and BMI as overweight controls (n=26). Lung function was assessed by spirometry comprising predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%), predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to investigate group differences, which were adjusted for potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, height and smoking status. SNP genotyping was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction-based allelic discrimination. Patients with type 2 diabetes had lower FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and VO2max (all p<0.05). Among patients with type 2 diabetes, FEV1% correlated positively with VO2max (r=0.40, p<0.05) and FEV1/FVC correlated negatively with HbA1c (r=-0.49, p<0.01). Regression analyses across the whole cohort indicated that the group differences in FEV1/FVC can be explained by the confounding effect of HbA1c. The frequencies of the SNPs rs1042713, rs1079572, rs11172113, rs12504628, rs1422795, rs1481345, rs2235910, rs2277027, rs2284746, rs4341, rs7068966, rs925284, rs993925 and rs3824658 did not differ between both groups. Recent-onset type 2 diabetes patients exhibit reductions in features of pulmonary function, which might be at least in part resulting from glucotoxicity.

Effect of ulinastatin on interleukins and pulmonary function in bypass patients: ameta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of urinary trypsin inhibitors (UTI) on interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase (PMNE) levels as well as on pulmonary function in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. We searched the following databases for relevant studies: PubMed, Medline (Ovid SP), Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine Database, Chinese Periodical Database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Two investigators independently collected the data and assessed the quality of each study. RevMan5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. In total, 15 randomized controlled trials (646 patients) met the inclusion criteria. There was asignificant decrease in TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and PMNE levels at 6 h and 24 h after UTI treatment and an increase in IL-10 levels; additionally, there was adecrease in respiratory index and an improvement in the oxygenation index. Nevertheless, UTI treatment did not affect the length of intensive care unit stay, alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference, adverse lung events, or hospital mortality. Because of the high heterogeneity of the included trials, the results should be assessed carefully. UTI treatment can suppress proinflammatory cytokine elevation and upregulate the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing pulmonary injury and improving pulmonary function after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Pulmonary Manifestations and Progression of Lung Disease in Juvenile-onset Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

To assess the occurrence and extent of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD), compare pulmonary function in patients and matched controls, study associations between ILD and disease-related variables, and examine progression of pulmonary manifestations over time. A cohort of 52 patients with JMCTD were examined in a cross-sectional study after a mean 16.2 (SD 10.3) years of disease duration with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) comprising spirometry, DLCO, and total lung capacity (TLC). Matched controls were examined with PFT. Previous HRCT and PFT were available in 37 and 38 patients (mean 8.8 and 10.3 yrs before study inclusion), respectively. Compared to controls, patients with JMCTD had lower forced vital capacity (FVC), DLCO, and TLC (p < 0.01). The most frequent abnormal PFT was DLCO in 67% of patients versus 17% of controls (p < 0.001). Fourteen patients (27%) had ILD on HRCT. Most had ILD in < 10% of their lungs. ILD was associated with low values for FVC and TLC, but not with DLCO. HRCT findings did not progress significantly over time, but FVC declined (p < 0.01). Compared to controls, patients with JMCTD had impaired pulmonary function. ILD was present in 27% of patients after a mean 16 years of disease duration, mostly as mild disease, and did not progress. ILD seems to be less common in juvenile-onset than in adult-onset MCTD, and ILD in JMCTD seems mostly mild and stable over time.

Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis in a retrospective open-label study: influence of the extent of inflammation on pulmonary function

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the primary cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is thought that chronic inflammation is a key component in SSc-ILD. Treatment, such as cyclophosphamide (CYC), targets this inflammation. We hypothesized that treatment with CYC might be more effective in the inflammatory phase. Therefore, we analyzed whether the extent of inflammation, as assessed by the proportion of ground glass compared to fibrosis, SSc disease duration, the extent of ILD, or baseline diffusion capacity of the lungs (DLCO) < 60%, modifies the effect of intravenous CYC pulse therapy (750 mg/m2) on pulmonary function (as measured by FVC, DLCO) in SSc-ILD patients, after 12, 24, and 36 months. Consecutive patients with SSc-ILD receiving CYC pulses between 2003 and 2015 were included. Pulmonary function tests were performed at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. There were 75 patients included. Forced vital capacity (FVC) (86% of predicted) and DLCO (42% of predicted) were stable after 12, 24 and 36 months of follow-up (p > 0.05). Forty-four patients completed 12 cycles of CYC. For the extent of ILD, proportion of ground glass compared to fibrosis, SSc disease duration, and baseline DLCO, there were no differences (all p > 0.05) in the course of FVC and DLCO. Treatment with CYC followed by maintenance therapy stabilizes pulmonary function in patients with SSc-ILD over a 3-year period. The extent of ILD, proportion of ground glass, SSc disease duration, and baseline DLCO < 60% did not influence the effect of CYC on pulmonary function.