Lung function changes of divers after single deep heliox diving

ObjectivesThis study detects the changes in pulmonary function of divers after 80m, 100 m, and 120 m helium-oxygen (heliox) dive. Methods: A total of 26 divers participated in the experiment, of which 15 divers performed the 80m dive, 5 divers performed the 100m dive, and 6 divers performed the 120m dive. The exposure phases included breathing heliox or air in water and O2 in the hyperbaric chamber. Pulmonary function (forced flow-volume) was measured twice before diving, within 30 minutes after diving, and 24 hours after diving. The parameters examined were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expired flow from 25% to 75% volume expired (FEF25-75%), 25-75 percent maximum expiratory flow as compared with vital capacity (MEF 25-75%) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Results: FEV1/FVC and MEF25% markedly decreased (p = 0.0395, p = 0.0496) within 30min after the 80m dive, but returned to base values at 24h after the dive. Other indicators showed a downward trend within 30min after 80m heliox diving (no statistical difference). Interestingly, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MEF decreased after 100m heliox dives, but there was no statistical difference. However, in the 120m heliox dive, FEV1/FVC and MEF75% significantly decreased again after diving (p = 0.0098, p = 0.0073). The relatively small number and more proficient diving skills of divers in 100m and 120m diving may be responsible for the inconsistent results. But when the diving depth reached 120m, results again showed a significant statistical change. Conclusion: Single deep heliox diving can cause temporary expiratory and small airway dysfunction, which can be recovered at 24h after diving.

Maximum Expiratory Flow of Children and Adolescents Living at Moderate Altitudes: Proposed Reference Values

(1) Background: Spirometry is useful for diagnosing and monitoring many respiratory diseases. The objectives were: (a) compare maximum expiratory flow (MEF) values with those from international studies, (b) determine if MEF should be evaluated by chronological age and/or maturity, (c) develop reference norms for children, and adolescents. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed with 3900 subjects ages 6.0 and 17.9 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and MEF were measured. Length of the lower limbs, body mass index (BMI), and age of peak height velocity growth (APHV) were calculated. (3) Results: Values for the curves (p50) for females of all ages from Spain and Italy were higher (92 to 382 (L/min)) than those for females from Arequipa (Peru). Curve values for males from Spain and Italy were greater [70 to 125 (L/min)] than the males studied. MEF values were similar to those of Chilean students ages 6 to 11. However, from 12 to 17 years old, values were lower in males (25 to 55 (L/min)) and in females (23.5 to 90 (L/min)). Correlations between chronological age and MEF in males were from (r = 0.68, R2 = 0.39) and in females from (r = 0.46, R2 = 0.21). Correlations between maturity (APHV) and MEF for males were from (r = 0.66, R2 = 0.44) and for females (r = 0.51, R2 = 0.26). Percentiles were calculated for chronological age and APHV. Conclusion: Differences occurred in MEF when compared with other geographical regions of the world. We determined that maturity may be a more effective indicator for analyzing MEF. Reference values were generated using chronological age and maturity.

The Relationship Between Indicators of Nasal Respiratory Function and Spirometric Parameters in Children With Bronchial Asthma

Introduction: The relationship between objective indicators of nasal obstruction and airflow limitation in children with bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) has not yet been studied.Objective: To study the relationship between objective parameters of nasal obstruction and airflow limitation, determined using the methods of anterior active rhinomanometry (AARM) and spirometry in children with BA and AR.Materials and Methods: Eighty eight children and adolescents with BA and AR, boys−65.9% (58/88), were examined. The median age was 11.09 [10.42; 11.76] years. To determine airflow limitation, the following spirometric parameters were evaluated: forced vital capacity of the lungs (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1/FVC, and maximum expiratory flow at the point 25% of the flow-volume loop (MEF25). Data were recorded both in absolute values and in relative units (% pred). Nasal respiratory function was determined by AARM based on the total nasal airflow (TNAF) in absolute (Pa/cm3/s) and relative units (RTNAF, % pred).Results: In the general cohort and in boys but not in girls, a statistically significant direct correlation was found between TNAF (Pa/cm3/s) and absolute spirometry parameters of bronchial patency—all had p < 0.01. Also, RTNAF and relative MEF25 values (% pred) in the general cohort were R = 0.22, p = 0.04, and in boys, R = 0.28, p = 0.03. In girls, there was no statistically significant correlation between nasal respiratory function and spirometric parameters, all p > 0.05. Additional analysis of literature was conducted to ascertain that the identified gender differences were not occasional.Conclusion: The significant positive correlation of absolute values of AARM and spirometric parameters in children with BA and AR was established, which apparently reflects the physical development of children. Of all the relative indicators of spirometry, only MEF25 (% pred), which indirectly reflects the patency of small bronchi, had a distinct direct correlation with RTNAF. These patterns are clearly expressed in boys with BA. In girls with this disease, however, the relationship between nasal respiratory function and spirometric indicators seems to be more complex and requires further study.

El Flujo espiratorio Máximo y la Fuerza de prensión Manual predicen la salud ósea de niños y adolescentes (Maximum expiratory flow and handgrip strength predict bone health in children and adolescents)

Objetivos: Analizar la relación de la fuerza de prensión manual FPM con el Flujo espiratorio Máximo FEM y verificar como estos parámetros en conjunto pueden contribuir sobre la salud ósea en niños y adolescentes. Metodología: Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo (correlacional). Se estudió de forma probabilística a 253 niños y adolescentes (134 hombres y 119 mujeres). El rango de edad fue de 6,0 hasta 15,0 años. Se evaluó el peso, la estatura de pie, estatura sentada, longitud del antebrazo derecho, el diámetro del fémur derecho, la fuerza de prensión manual FPM derecha e izquierda y el flujo espiratorio máximo FEM. Se calculó la densidad mineral ósea DMO y el contenido mineral óseo CMO por medio de ecuaciones de regresión antropométrica. Resultados: Se observó correlaciones positivas entre FPM con el FEM en ambos sexos (R2adjust = 30 a 37%). La FPM de forma individual explica la DMO y el CMO entre 58 a 69%, mientras que el FEM entre 35 a 42%. Ambas variables en conjunto (FPM derecha e izquierda + FEM) explican la DMO y el CMO entre 67 a 68%. Conclusión: Se observó correlaciones positivas entre la FPM y FEM en escolares de ambos sexos. Ambos variables son determinantes para predecir la salud ósea de niños y adolescentes. Estos resultados sugieren que ambos parámetros pueden servir como indicadores de aptitud funcional para identificar la fragilidad ósea entre niños y adolescentes. Abstract. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between manual grasping force (FPM) and Maximum expiratory flow (FEM), and to verify how these parameters together can contribute to bone health in children and adolescents. Methodology: A descriptive (correlational) study was carried out. A total of 253 children and adolescents (134 boys and 119 girls) were selected probabilistically. The age range is 6.0 to 15.0 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, right forearm length, right biepicondylar femur diameter, right and left FPM, and peak FEM were evaluated. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (CMD) were calculated by means of anthropometric regression equations. Results: Positive correlations were observed between FPM and FEM in both sexes (R2adjust = 30 to 37%). FPM individually explains BMD and CMD by 58% to 69%, while FEM by 35% to 42%. Both variables together (right and left FPM + FEM) explain BMD and CMD by 67% to 68%. Conclusion: Positive correlations were observed between FPM and FEM in schoolchildren of both sexes. Both variables are determinant to predict children's and adolescents' bone health. These results suggest that both parameters can serve as indicators of functional aptitude to identify bone fragility among children and adolescents.

Variables antropométricas, maduración somática y flujo espiratorio: determinantes de la masa libre de grasa en jóvenes nadadores (Anthropometric variables, somatic maturation and expiratory flow: determinants of fat-free mass in young swimmers)

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: a) analizar la relación entre las variables antropométricas, edad cronológica, maduración somática y flujo espiratorio máximo con la Masa libre de grasa (MLG) de jóvenes nadadores y b) proponer ecuaciones de regresión que permitan predecir la MLG de nadadores por edad biológica y sexo. Se estudió a 36 nadadores (21 hombres y 15 mujeres) entre los 10.0 a 16.9 años, de la selección de Natación del Maule (Chile). Se evaluó el peso, estatura, estatura sentada, longitud del antebrazo, circunferencia de la pantorrilla y el Flujo espiratorio Máximo (FEM). Se calculó la edad cronológica y edad biológica por antropometría. Se obtuvo los valores de la composición corporal (MLG, Masa ósea y masa grasa) por medio de la Absorciometría dual de rayos X (DXA). La MLG se relacionó con la edad cronológica (R2= 0.46), biológica (R2= 0.69), Peso (R2= 0.86), estatura (R2= 0.77), estatura sentada (R2= 0.66) longitud del antebrazo (R2= 0.69), circunferencia del brazo derecho (R2= 0.55) y FEM (R2= 0.69). Se generaron cuatro ecuaciones de regresión para cada sexo las que evidenciaron un R2 Ajustado entre 86 a 90% en hombres y en mujeres entre 95 a 97%. La edad biológica, la longitud del antebrazo, la circunferencia de la pantorrilla y el FEM son excelentes predictores de la MLG. Las ecuaciones generadas sirven para controlar, diagnosticar, monitorizar la MLG de los jóvenes nadadores por edad biológica y sexo. Abstract. The objectives of this work were: a) to analyze the relationship between anthropometric variables, chronological age, somatic maturation and maximum expiratory flow with Fat Free Mass (MLG) of young swimmers and b) propose regression equations that allow to predict MLG of swimmers by biological age and sex. We studied 36 swimmers (21 men and 15 women) between 10.0 and 16.9 years old, from the selection of Maule Swimming (Chile). Weight, height, sitting height, forearm length, calf circumference and Maximum Expiratory Flow (FEM) were evaluated. Chronological age and biological age were calculated by anthropometry. The values of body composition (MLG, Bone Mass and fat mass) were obtained by means of Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). MLG was related to chronological age (R2 = 0.46), biological age (R2 = 0.69), weight (R2 = 0.86), height (R2 = 0.77), sitting height (R2 = 0.66) forearm length (R2 = 0.69), circumference of the right arm (R2 = 0.55) and FEM (R2 = 0.69). Four regression equations were generated for each sex, which showed an adjusted R2 between 86% and 90% in men, and in women between 95% and 97%. The biological age, the length of the forearm, the circumference of the calf and the FEM are excellent predictors of MLG. The generated equations serve to control, diagnose, and monitor the MLG of young swimmers by biological age and sex.

Pulmonary function improvement following septoplasty

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Nasal septal deviation is a frequent cause of increased nasal airway resistance. A narrow nasal airway would result in a decreased airflow into the lungs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alterations of the pulmonary functions prior to and following septoplasty using spirometry.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty patients with obvious nasal septal deviations were enrolled in the study. All patients had a detailed otorhinolaryngologic examination, and were performed spirometry, prior to and one month after septoplasty surgery, and the results were compared. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Septoplasty improves the nasal breathing pattern. While reducing FEF_50% (maximum expiratory flow at 50% of FVC)/FIF_50%, it increases PEF and FIF_50% values. In addition, exercise capacity improves following surgery. Postoperative scores showed reduction markedly compared to preoperative values (p&lt;0.001).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Nasal septal surgery has a positive effect on pulmonary functions.</p><p class="abstract"> </p><p> </p>