Although self-limited respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are well recognized in children and young adults, respiratory involvements and hepatic dysfunction may occur. The frequency and clinical features of these complications were investigated. Experimental studies with regard to bacterial superinfection were also carried out. The test animals which were first infected...

Respiratory muscles generate the pressure differences driving ventilation. Respiratory muscle weakness is hence an important clinical feature. In advanced stages, respiratory muscle weakness leads to respiratory pump failure. Respiratory muscle dysfunction (i.e. reduced strength or endurance) is to be distinguished from lung function abnormalities, and should be measured separately. Inspiratory...

Word count: 199) Background Obstructive sleep apnea has been related to increased cardiovascular risk. The present study examined the relationships between respiratory parameters and left ventricular abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea. Patients/Methods One hundred and fifty newly diagnosed OSA patients without any known cardiovascular disease were included (age = 49±11 years, BMI = 27.1±3...

Regional anaesthesia may affect respiratory muscle function, pulmonary bronchial tone and postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. These effects on respiratory function depend on the concentration of the local anaesthetic used and, mostly, on the location of the regional block. Most peripheral nerve blocks have no effect on respiratory function and are, therefore, often recommended as the technique...

NO is an important biological marker in the activity of the inflammatory process and endothelial dysfunction in bronchopulmonary diseases. Endothelial dysfunction appears as a primary element for vessel wall lesion that causes formation of the cardiovascular effects in asthma. Cardiovascular effects are considered as system displays of various diseases, among which endothelial dysfunction appea...

OBJECTIVE To clarify the progression of autonomic symptoms and functional deterioration in pure autonomic failure (PAF), particularly in comparison with multiple system atrophy (MSA). METHODS The investigation involved eight patients with PAF (M/F = 7/1; mean age at onset, 57 years) and 22 with probable MSA matched for age at onset (M/F = 14/8; onset 56 years). Subjects were followed up for n...

We thank Dr. Barie and his colleagues for their interest in our data.1 It is satisfying to note that other investigators also have had a similar experience regarding the influence of nonpulmonary organ dysfunction and failure on outcome in patients with respiratory failure. Contrary to our findings, they have reported2 that hepatic dysfunction had a significant influence of patient mortality in...

BACKGROUND Impulse oscillometry (IOS) has previously been proposed to provide greater sensitivity than spirometry when employed with indirect bronchoprovocation testing for the diagnosis of airway dysfunction in athletes. However, this recommendation is based on a highly selected population of symptomatic patients. OBJECTIVE To compare IOS, spirometry and respiratory symptoms following indire...

conclusions in summary, there is a lack of consensus about the use of neuromuscular blockers in patients with ibm. the authors avoided these drugs and were able to easily secure the patient’s airway and maintain adequate muscle relaxation using a balanced sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthetic. clinical trials are necessary to define the pharmacology of neuromuscular blockers in patients with ibm ...