Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R C Groggins

Publications and source records attributed to R C Groggins.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

Lung function after acute bronchiolitis.

We performed 211 lung function measurements on 93 children in the first year after they had been admitted with acute bronchiolitis. During the convalescent phase of the illness, 77% of the infants were hyperinflated with a thoracic gas volume greater than 40 ml/kg and 3 months later 43% were hyperinflated. Twelve months after the initial illness, 17% still had lung function abnormalities and most of these children have had lower respiratory tract symptoms. For the group as a whole about 60% have had at least one episode of wheezing. Specific conductances were significantly lower in children from atopic families, indicating worse lung function, but the significance of this finding is unclear.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1982

Causes and management of bronchiolitis with chronic obstructive features.

During the last 4 years we have seen 13 children with a severe bronchiolitis. The children have had prolonged respiratory illnesses waxing and waning over many months, often requiring oxygen therapy for long periods. The diagnosis is based on a clinical picture similar to acute bronchiolitis, but persisting for months, frequently associated with failure to thrive, coupled with lung function evidence of hyperinflation and airways obstruction but normal static compliance. Confusion with other chronic lung conditions can be clarified by straightforward observations and investigations. We believe that chronic bronchiolitis is fairly common and often misdiagnosed. The short- and medium-term prognosis appears good although small airways disease may persist into adult life.

Bronchiolitis, Viral↗
PubMed1981

Lung function abnormalities after acute bronchiolitis.

Measurements of thoracic gas volume, airways resistance, and total respiratory resistance were measured in a group of babies with acute severe bronchiolitis. Assessments were made at convalescence, three to four months later, and after 12 months. Clinical histories were also taken 12 months after the acute episode. Results at this time showed that 35% of the infants had coughing attacks, 50% episodes of wheezing, 50% had dry skin or eczema, and that over 75% had lung function abnormality.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1981

Work of breathing, intra-thoracic pressure and clinical findings in a group of babies with bronchiolitis.

Total work of breathing was measured on 55 occasions on 26 babies with acute bronchiolitis using a respiratory jacket to measure tidal volume and a naso-gastric tube to record oesophageal pressure. Work of breathing was increased six-fold on average and on one occasion exceeded forty times the expected. Approximately 40% of the intra-thoracic pressure swing was positive relative to atmospheric. It was not possible to correlate the work of breathing measurements with detailed clinical assessments.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1981

Bronchodilator effects of clemastine, ipratropium, bromide, and salbutamol in preschool children with asthma.

The bronchodilator activity in nebulised salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, clemastine, and a placebo was studied in 14 asthmatic children aged between 3 and 5 years. Changes in lung function were monitored by measuring peak expiratory flow rate and total respiratory resistance using a modification of the forced oscillation technique. Ipratropium bromide produced a degree of bronchodilation similar to that of salbutamol, but the bronchodilatory activity of clemastine was not appreciably better than for the placebo.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1981

Measurement of work of breathing in infancy.

Assessment of lung function in young children is extremely difficult unless sedation is given. If tidal exchange and intrathoracic pressure swings can be recorded, the severity of the respiratory problem can be measured by construction pressure-volume loops and calculating the work of breathing. The system we have used to measure tidal thoracic volumes is that of a soft, rubber, inflatable jacket with pressure-volume characteristics linear from inflation pressure of 2.5 to 7 cm H2O. Oesophageal (intrathoracic) pressures are measured using water-filled nasogastric tubes (FG6). Frequency responses showed that 63% rise times for the jacket and water-filled nasogastric tube assessed together to be 10.5 msec. Recordings were traced onto a computer digitizing tablet and print-outs were obtained with the following information: respiratory rate, tidal thoracic volume, minute thoracic volume, oesophageal pressure, resistive work per min, elastic work per min, and total work per min. Comparisons were made between volumes measured using the respiratory jacket (VJ) and by pneumotachograph and integrator (VInt) in six infants. Hysteresis arising from the jacket produces some change in resistive work of breathing, but the total work of breathing is only increased by a maximum of 10.5%. Studies on healthy newborn babies showed that the jacket system tends to underrecord the resistive work of breathing, but that total work of breathing values are very similar. Reproducibility of analysis showed the following coefficients of variation from the mean: tidal thoracic volume, 1.6%; minute thoracic volume, 1.7%; resistive work, 5%; elastic work, 2%; and total work, 2.5%. The extent of breath-to-breath variation is much larger. This system makes it possible to obtain serial measurements of work of breathing without the need for sedation in infants who may be acutely ill and in respiratory failure.

Humans↗
PubMed1980

Efficacy of orally administered salbutamol and theophylline in pre-schoolchildren with asthma.

Oral administration of salbutamol and theophylline has been shown to be effective in relieving bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children aged between 3 and 5 years. Changes in respiratory function were monitored using a Wright's low range peak flow meter and a modification of the forced oscillation technique. A combination of both drugs in half doses was as effective as either alone. Nebulised salbutamol produced considerable further improvement in lung function.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1979

The bronchodilator effects of chlorpheniramine in childhood asthma.

Significant improvement in lung function has been demonstrated following the inhalation of chlorpheniramine. The doses which were used caused local irritation and are probably unsuitable for routine clinical use. Nevertheless, we believe that antihistamines deserve further investigation in the treatment of childhood asthma.

Adolescent↗