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Biomedical subjects

J Vergeret

Publications and source records attributed to J Vergeret.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Effect of dry warm air on respiratory water loss in children with exercise-induced asthma.

The variation in respiratory water loss (RWL) over time, expressed as the mass of water vapor lost per liter (body temperature and pressure, saturated) of ventilation (MH2O), was investigated in two groups: (1) children with exercise-induced asthma; and (2) healthy children. Children were matched for age and sex and went without medication for at least 12 hours before each experiment. The children breathed dry warm air (TI = 28.4 degrees C +/- 0.3 degree C) for 15 minutes while bicycling at constant and moderate work load (50 W). The MH2O was measured by collecting and weighing the expired water vapor (1) at rest breathing in warm conditions of inspired gas (control values), (2) every five minutes during exercise while breathing dry warm air, and (3) four minutes after the end of exercise. Pulmonary function tests were performed before and six minutes after exercise. The results were abnormal only in children with exercise-induced asthma. During exercise, RWL significantly fell (compared to control value) at the tenth and 15th minute in both groups. Whereas normal subjects recovered their initial values for MH2O four minutes after stopping exercise, asthmatic children still had a reduction in respiratory water loss. During exercise, MH2O decreased a little more in healthy than in asthmatic children. The decrease in MH2O in both groups suggests that the means to fully humidify expired gas are overwhelmed by thermal stress. The lack of increase in MH2O in asthmatic children on stopping exercise suggests that the airway mucosa is unable to produce enough water vapor and is thus dehydrated and probably hyperosmotic.

Asthma↗
PubMed1987

Prevention of exercise-induced asthma by oxitropium bromide.

A vagal mechanism appears to be involved in the development of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), although previous studies have failed to demonstrate a protective effect of anticholinergic drugs against post-exercise bronchoconstriction. To reassess this hypothesis the effect of a new anticholinergic drug, Oxitropium Bromide (OTB) has been studied in ten subjects with documented EIA. There was no change after inhalation of a placebo. Administration of OTB led to bronchodilatation and totally blocked post-exercise bronchoconstriction in 7 patients, and it did so partly in 2. The response to the drug appeared to depend on pretest respiratory function. Thus, the anticholinergic drug OTB may protect against EIA in most patients, confirming the role of a vagal cholinergic mechanism in EIA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Expiratory muscles and exercise limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aim of this study was to estimate, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the maximal strength of the expiratory muscles, its correlation with exercise performance and the effects of a specific physiotherapy. In 38 COPD men, aged 54 +/- 7 years, pulmonary function data, maximal alveolar pressure (Palv, max) developed during forced vital capacity, were measured using a whole-body plethysmograph and the maximal tolerated power (MTP), i.e. the highest power maintained for at least 3 min, was determined by a progressive test on a treadmill. Airway obstruction was severe (FEV1/FVC: 54 +/- 10%), Palv, max was lower than normal (74 +/- 36 vs. 130 +/- 48 hPa in 20 healthy men of the same age; p less than 0.01) and increased with airway resistance values (Raw); mean MTP was low: 115 +/- 30 W and individual values were inversely related to Raw values. Then, two subgroups of 14 patients were chosen at random. One subgroup received an abdominal muscle physiotherapy during 3 weeks. The other subgroup only received usual medical treatment. No modification in any parameter was found in the second subgroup. Specific physiotherapy of abdominal muscles improves significantly both Palv, max (118 +/- 45 hPa) and MTP (171 +/- 38 W; p less than 0.01), without any variation in other respiratory function parameters. We conclude that abdominal muscle weakness is common in COPD patients and can participate in the limitation in exercise performance. Specific physiotherapy increases abdominal muscle strength and seems to improve exercise tolerance by a still unexplained mechanism.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Platelet kinetics in stable atopic asthmatic patients.

The kinetics of platelets labeled with indium-111 were investigated in 13 healthy subjects as well as in 9 patients in the asymptomatic interattack stage of asthma. The survival times of platelets in healthy subjects was 8.9 +/- 1 days; in asthmatic subjects it was 4.7 +/- 1.3 days (p less than 0.001). The survival curve is of a biexponential form in asthmatics, thus suggesting the presence of 2 populations: one with a short life span (23 +/- 7 h), representing a third of the total population (33 +/- 9%), and the other with a normal life span. No single preferred site of platelet sequestration was found. These results suggest the presence of functional or anatomic lesions of platelets in asthmatic patients, which can be explained only hypothetically at the present time.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Alcohol and the lung. Anatomical and functional consequences].

The noxious effects of alcohol on the body are multiple. The lung is also a target organ in chronic alcoholic intoxication. The effects on the respiratory system may be divided into two groups: lowering of the defense functions of the respiratory system, especially to micro-organisms and a general depression of the immune system; decreased respiratory function sometimes associated with pronounced hypoxemia and decreased affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen especially during exercise. These patients have been shown to have an increased cardiac output, decreased pulmonary artery pressures and increased alveolar-capillary oxygen gradients, suggesting a porto-pulmonary shunt. From a practical point of view, hypoxemia in the alcoholic patients should not be misdiagnosed, since they can be functionally improved by domiciliary oxygen therapy.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗
PubMed1985

[Bromocriptine in Parkinson's disease: pleuropulmonary toxicity].

The authors report a case of pleuro-pulmonary fibrosis after 9 months of high dose bromocriptine therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. When the drug was stopped there was a significant improvement of the clinical state with complete regression of chest pain and dyspnea of effort. The major inflammatory biological syndrome disappeared completely. Chest X-rays showed partial improvement with signs of pleural pneumonitis. The results of ventilatory and respiratory function tests stabilised. After one year follow-up, the causal relationship of this iatrogenic pathology has therefore been established. The initial diagnostic problems are stressed, particularly with respect to malignant disease (mesothelioma) when there has been exposure to asbestos, as in our case. The early stages must be carefully looked for so as to prevent fibrosing complications. The presence of immune complexes in our case could indicate immuno-allergic mechanism.

Bromocriptine↗
PubMed1984

[Pleuropulmonary fibrosis and bromocriptine].

From a personal case and a review of the literature, it is recalled that bromocriptine may induce pleuropulmonary fibrosis. The various presentations of this condition are described. The index patient is a 56-year-old man, with Parkinson disease and a negative history for respiratory disease, who was taking bromocriptine in a high dose (60 mg/d). Under this treatment, he exhibited weight loss and an inflammatory syndrome and developed interstitial pneumopathy with secondary pleuropulmonary fibrosis, which resolved in part once therapy was discontinued. Bromocriptine, which is an ergot alcaloid with dopaminergic properties, has been used since 1965 in therapy. Its indications, which at the outset were restricted to endocrinology, were extended in 1972 to Parkinson disease, with a significant increase in dosages from 1979. Its responsibility in pleuropulmonary fibroses was suspected in 1981 by Rinne on data from 5 patients. As of now, 8 cases have been reported. All are Parkinson patients who, after a variable time interval (15 days to 3 years), developed a uniform picture of pleuropulmonary disease with rapidly increasing dyspnea upon exertion and deterioration of general health. These features mirror inflammation then fibrosis of the pleura and lung tissue, which results in a variable degree of chronic restrictive respiratory failure. The course is equally uniform, with partial resolution under corticosteroid therapy and more or less significant residual fibrosis at discontinuation of treatment. Immunoallergic rather than toxic or vasomotor mechanisms seem involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bromocriptine↗
PubMed1984

Treatment of adult asthma: controlled double-blind clinical trial of oxitropium bromide.

Sixteen young adult sufferers from extrinsic paroxysmal asthma with pollen hypersensitivity took part in a therapeutic trial of the synthetic anticholinergic agent oxitropium bromide administered by a metered dose inhaler. The study comprised three 3-week periods. The first, run-in period was carried out to confirm the ability of the patients to maintain a daily record of symptoms. During the second and third periods, the patient received 3 X 2 inhalations of drug or placebo in a cross-over design. The medical staff was blind to the nature of the aerosol (drug or placebo), which was given in random order. The run-in clinical score was high. Asymptomatic days were relatively infrequent and daily drug consumption was high. Functional studies between the cross-over periods showed flow-rate values close to normal, with an increase in residual volume and functional residual capacity. During treatment either with placebo or oxitropium, there was a statistically significant decrease in clinical scores. Results for oxitropium bromide treatment were significantly better than the run-in values (p less than 0.005) and the placebo period (p less than 0.02). There was no significant change in non-trial drug consumption. Functional values showed no difference in terms of flow rate, although oxitropium did cause a significant improvement in the RV/TLC ratio (p less than 0.05). No adverse reactions were reported.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1983

[Effect of Biostim on broncho-pulmonary cellular defense elements. Preliminary results of a study on broncho-alveolar lavage].

The purpose of our investigation is to evaluate the action of C 1740 (Biostim tablets) on bronchopulmonary cellular defense mechanisms through the study of bronchoalveolar lavage samples. C 1740 is a non-specific immuno-stimulant whose effectiveness in preventing suprainfection of chronic bronchopathies has been demonstrated in clinical studies. Ten patients (mean age 51.5 years; range 37 to 68) with a history of recurrent bronchial infections, but currently free of such disease, were randomly divided into two groups. Five constituted the control group and five were given Biostim (8 mg/day) for 15 days. In both groups a bronchoalveolar lavage with cytological and biochemical studies was done in each patient, at identical intervals (DO and D16). Despite technical difficulties due to bronchial obstruction, which partly hindered the study, significant differences were found between the two groups, showing quantitative and qualitative cellular changes in patients under Biostim, with increased cell, especially lymphocyte, counts. This may be the result of stimulation by Biostim of immunological reactions normally found during the course of bronchopulmonary infections and which undoubtedly play a part in preventing new episodes. These preliminary results need confirmation but throw light on one of Biostim's possible mechanisms of action upon immunological defenses.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Effect of a new synthetic anticholinergic (oxytropium bromide) on acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm].

Oxytropium bromide, a new synthetic anticholinergic agent, delivered by a dose inhaler, was compared to a placebo in a cross-over double-blind trial. The drop in FEV1 after administration of increasing doses of acetylcholine aerosol spray was measured 45 min after administration of the test drug, and the dose-response curve was determined. The placebo modified neither acetylcholine threshold dose (bronchial sensitivity) nor the slope of the curve (bronchial reactivity). Oxytropium bromide elevated the response threshold and decreased bronchial reactivity to vagal stimuli.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1983

[Endocavitary drainage (Monaldi's technic) in the treatment of pulmonary abscess].

The technique of intracavitary aspiration introduced by Monaldi in 1938 in the treatment of tuberculous cavities and then applied by him in the treatment of lung abscesses was forgotten for nearly 30 years. The advent of antibiotics and their success explain its abandonment. It may take an important place again in the treatment of difficult cases, as a last resort, after failure of properly conducted classical medical treatment. A study of 20 hospitalised patients in an intensive care unit presenting with severe pulmonary abscesses demonstrates this point. After recalling the causes, the therapeutic difficulties and the complications of these abscesses, the authors describe the medications, the method of endocavitary drainage and the technical problems posed by its use in patients often artificially ventilated. The absence of any major dangers inherent in using this technique is also discussed. Finally the short (one month) and long term (20 months) results were analysed. Three deaths occurred during the initial period, although largely explained by associated lesions in these patients. The other 17 patients, of whom 11 were followed up for more than six months, had a satisfactory outcome from the respiratory stand-point. The disappearance of all signs of infection was constantly obtained and in only four patients the bullous cavities persisted. The authors conclude by attesting the efficacy of the technique and its low risk often in the most critically ill patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

[Legionnaire disease and creatinine phosphokinase (author's transl)].

The authors report a case of Legionnaire disease where myolysis was suspected because of increased activities of creatine phosphokinase and it's isoenzymes MBCPK. Significance of MBCPK increase is discussed. Enzyme activity levels are of prognostic significance and should be monitored during the course of the disease.

Creatine Kinase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Unusual ischemic cord compression by discal hernia (author's transl)].

The discal hernia are unfrequent in dorsal localization and neurological appearances are deceptive. We report a case with amyotrophic and fasciculations developing a progressive spinal cord amyotrophy aspect. The complementary investigations (gaz myelography and spinal angiography) show the discal hernia in T11-T12 which was operated successfully. The vascular factor role is discussed about semiologic and pathogenic view.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Delayed-action theophylline versus placebo on the ventilatory function of stable asthmatic patients. Study in relation to circadian rhythm].

The aim of this study was to measure the results of a long-acting theophylline (Planphylline) on the flow rates of stable asthmatic patients while taking into account the spontaneous circadian variations of the ventilatory function. 27 patients were involved in this randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial; they received 10 mg/kg/day in two doses at 8.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m or the placebo. The product was administered over two 4-day periods separated by a 3-day wash-out period. The theophylline concentration and bronchial flows (FEV1; MMEFR 25-75) were measured at 8 a.m., 10.30 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. on days 1 and 4 of each period; 11 patients measured their hourly PEFR from 8 a.m to 10 p.m those same days. The results can be analysed for 19 patients, including the 11 who measured their PEFR. The first day of treatment (D1), the theophylline concentration rose regularly without going above 10 micrograms/ml. On the fourth day of treatment (D4), the mean maximum concentration was above 10 micrograms/ml and the 8 a.m rate was superior to 8 micrograms/ml for 14 patients out of 19. The bronchodilating effect of Planphylline is significant for all bronchial flow rates (FEV1 less than 0.01; MMEFR 25-75 less than 0.05; PEFR less than 0.01, n = 11). On D1, the FEV1 becomes normal. On D4, the MMEFR 25-75 is still only partially improved, in spite of the theophylline concentration obtained. Because of the spontaneous diurnal improvement of bronchial rates, only the 8 a.m, 10.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. FEV1 obtained with Planphylline are statistically different from those obtained with placebo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗