Comparison of pulmonary function amongst Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi female athletes

Lung functions were studied in contemporary healthy Indian female athletes of Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi origin training for running events of varying distances. The aim of the study was to compare the lung function in females belonging to these four groups to examine lung function in relation to ethnic and environmental factors. Vital Capacity (VC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in Ist second (FEV1), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), and Inspiratory Capacity (IC) were recorded using conventional closed circuit spirometry. Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) was estimated by collecting expired air during deep and rapid breathing in a 100 liters meterological balloon for a period of 15 seconds and measuring its volume. It was found that Ladakhi females were having significantly higher VC, FVC and FEV1 values than their counterparts. However, there was no significant difference in MVV amongst Delhi, Siddi and Vanvasi young females. The average MVV of Ladakhi females was only significantly higher than Siddi females (P < 0.05).     

Maximal expiratory flow volume curve in quarry workers

Maximal Expiratory Flow Volume (MEFV) curves were recorded with a computerized Spirometer (Med Spiror). Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volumes (FEV), mean and maximal flow rates were obtained in 25 quarry workers who were free from respiratory disorders and 20 healthy control subjects. All the functional values are lower in quarry workers than in the control subject, the largest reduction in quarry workers with a work duration of over 15 years, especially for FEF75. The effects are probably due to smoking rather than dust exposure.     

Study of pulmonary functions in swimmers of Lucknow city

In this study, the pulmonary functions of young swimmers of K.D. Singh Babu Stadium, Lucknow were studied, 20 swimmers of the age group of 15-20 years were chosen along with 15 students as controls. The parameters taken into account were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Two sets of readings were recorded. One before the start and the other at the end of the practice season. These readings were compared to each other and also with the values of the controls. The results indicate that swimming has considerable effect on enhancing lung functions of an individual as FVC, FEV1, PEFR were significantly raised in swimmers after swimming session. Such results suggest that swimming may be induced in the exercise programme for rehabilitation of respiratory patients who have compromised lung functions.     

A longitudinal study of antenatal changes in lung function tests and importance of postpartum exercises in their recovery

A study of changes in lung function tests during pregnancy was undertaken in fifty pregnant women beginning from third month of gestation. Fifty nonpregnant age and height matched women formed the controls. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Timed Vital Capacity (FEV1), Inspiratory Capacity (IC), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) and peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were performed in each month of pregnancy. However ten subjects were not available for follow-up during postpartum period. Remaining forty women were divided into two groups of twenty each. Group I performed daily graded active exercises to strengthen the anterior abdominal wall muscles. Group II women did not perform any exercises. It was observed that the antenatal changes in percent FVC and FEV1 were insignificant, but the decline in ERV and PEFR were very highly significant (P < 0.001) and the increment in IC was significant (P < 0.05). In the postpartum period the percentage variation of values in group I was less than 5% from controls (P > 0.05) and in group II it was 15-20% from controls (P < 0.05), resulting in a significant variation in group II women as compared to the controls. It is concluded that there are adaptive changes in lung functions in the antenatal period. We stress the importance of regular graded active exercises in the postpartum period for the speedy recovery of these changes.     

A study of dynamic lung functions in textile workers

The current study was done to determine the normal ventilatory dynamic indices in healthy male textile workers and to observe the influence of exposure to cotton dust. Toshiniwal's Expirograph is used to record the Forced Vital Capacity tracing and from this tracing, other Forced Expiratory Volumes like FEVO.5, FEVO.75 and FEV1.0 are calculated. The data was statistically analysed and compared with the values reported by various other workers. It was observed that all functional parameters showed a decline with age, both in the control as well as the exposed group. The mean values in the exposed group were generally lower than the controls, and the difference was larger and statistically significant in the subjects of 40-49 year age-group, may be because they were exposed to cotton dust for a long duration.     

Modelling theophylline response in individual patients with chronic bronchitis.

1 In six patients with chronic bronchitis, serial changes in both ventilatory function and plasma theophylline concentrations were measured simultaneously for 8 h following 500 mg aminophylline intravenously. 2 Using empirical mathematical models which can integrate this data, parameters were estimated which can express response as a linear function of steady state plasma theophylline levels. 3 Taking Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) as the target response, the mean (+/- s.d.) increase in FVC was 0.06 +/- 0.02 l/micrograms ml-1, starting with pretreatment values in the range 1-21. 4 This analytical approach could be used to determine whether or not a patient with chronic bronchitis could obtain a satisfactory response to theophylline at plasma levels normally encountered in clinical practice.     

Effect of advanced uncomplicated pregnancy on pulmonary function parameters of North Indian subjects

The study was conducted on 100 pregnant women in third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy (Test group) and 100 age-matched non-pregnant women (Control group) in the age group of 25 to 35 years. Pulmonary function test parameters FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEF25-75% recorded using Medspiror. The FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated. All parameters except FEV1/ FVC ratio were found to decline in the Test group as compared to the Control group. The decrease in FEV1 with pregnancy was not of such amplitude as decrease in FVC, and hence FEV1/FVC ratio was seen to increase. This study validates the physiological changes in pulmonary function brought by pregnancy and highlights the need to compile expected and accepted alterations in predicted values of PFT in comparison with the non gravid states for safer outcome of the pregnancy.     

Prediction equation for lung functions in South Indian children

Lung functions including VC, IVC, FVC, FEV0.5, FEV1, PEF, FEF0.2-1.2, FEF25-75%, FEF75-85%, PIF, FMFT, MVV(IND), peak expiratory flow at 25%, 50% and 75% of FVC, peak inspiratory flow at 75%, 50%, 25% and the ratio between different lung volumes were measured with Vitallograph Compact-II spirometer on 109 South Indian school boys in the age group of five to sixteen years. The results show an increase in "lung volumes" and "flow rates" with increase in age, height and weight. FMFT and MVV(IND) also increase with increase in anthropometric measurements. All the lung functions except FEF75-85% and the ratio between different lung volumes show significant positive correlation with age, height and weight. Regression equations were derived for predicting normal lung functions for healthy South Indian boys. Lung volumes and flow rates were lower than North Indian and foreign boys. The decrease in lung functions in South Indian boys were due to their sea level dwelling, dietary habits and comparatively lower anthropometric measurements.     

Effect of oral contraceptives on respiratory function

The present study was carried out to assess the lung functions in oral contraceptive administered women. Lung function tests were carried out with Spirometer (Vitallograph Compact II). A significant increase in vital capacity (VC) was observed in these women as compared to normal control. There was also a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec./vital capacity (FEV1/VC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec./forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) among oral contraceptive administered women as compared to controls. Further, a significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), reduction in forced expiratory flow rate (FEF75-85%) and FEF75% were observed among oral contraceptive administered women as compared to controls. The increase in VC and PEF might be due to the synthetic form of progesterone (progestins) present in oral contraceptive pills which causes hyperventilatory changes. Synthetic progesterone during luteal phase of menstrual cycle might increase the static and dynamic volumes of lung i.e. VC and PEF. But FEF75% showed a decrease which might be due to the lower neuromuscular coordination during breathing.     

The effect of tiotropium on the pulmonary diffusing capacity

To our knowledge, there is no data on the effect of tiotropium on pulmonary gas exchange in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of tiotropium on pulmonary diffusing capacity. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled for a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Spirometric measurements, including pulmonary-diffusing capacity, were obtained before and after inhalation of drug or placebo. There was a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) and, consequently, an increase in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to FVC ratio after placebo inhalation (p < 0.05), but no changes were found for percent-predicted FVC, FEV1, percent-predicted FEV1, percent-predicted forced expiratory flow (FEF25%-75%), percent-predicted peak expiratory flow (PEF), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), single-breath alveolar volume (VA) and DLCO/VA ratio when compared with the baseline. Tiotropium inhalation caused a significant increase in FVC, percent-predicted FEV1, FEV1/FVC and percent-predicted FEF25%-75%, although the decrease in DLCO was insignificant (12.4 +/- 0.9 to 11.4 +/- 0.9). In conclusion, tiotropium does not change the pulmonary-diffusing capacity in healthy volunteers.     

Pulmonary function studies in Gujarati subjects.

In this study a multiple regression equation for prediction of ventilatory pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1%, FEF25-75% and PEFR) is developed in average healthy non-smoker male and female Gujarati subjects. The average adult female values showed a reduction varying from 21.0 to 29.0% compared to adult male subjects. There is a deviation of the present study values from other studies in Indian subjects and values from European studies are higher than the present values. This study demonstrated that the present regression equation is the most ideal and appropriate for prediction of pulmonary function values in Gujarati subjects either for assessing physical fitness in normal subjects or for determining the pattern of ventilatory impairment in respiratory disease patients. The pulmonary function values assessed by substituting the average age, height and weight of females in male regression equation revealed lower values in females ranging from 14.0 to 19.0% attributable only due to difference in sex.     

Beta-adrenoceptor responses to high doses of inhaled salbutamol in patients with bronchial asthma.

1. Fourteen asthmatics (mean +/- s.e. mean baseline FEV1 62 +/- 6% of predicted) were given cumulative doubling doses of salbutamol by metered-dose inhaler as follows: 100 micrograms, 200 micrograms, 500 micrograms, 1000 micrograms, 2000 micrograms, 4000 micrograms. 2. Airways, tremor, haemodynamic and cyclic AMP responses were measured at each dose increment (made every 20 min). 3. There was a linear log dose-response relationship for each airways parameter (FEV1, VC, sGaw, FEF 50%). The plateau in the dose-response curve was not reached within our dose range. These changes were also mirrored in cyclic AMP responses. 4. There was a wide range in maximum airways response expressed in terms of absolute increase over baseline (95% confidence intervals: delta FEV1 667-1483 ml; delta VC 689-1695 ml; delta sGaw 0.92-4.50 s-1 kPa-1; delta FEF 50% 0.94-2.15 l s-1). Patients with a lower baseline showed a greater response in terms of percent increase in FEV1 (r = -0.83, P less than 0.001). There was however, no correlation between baseline airway calibre and the dose required for maximum bronchodilatation. 5. There were objective increases (mean +/- s.e. mean) in both heart rate (maximum delta HR of 14 +/- 5 beats min-1 at 4000 micrograms) and tremor power (maximum delta Tr of 115 +/- 44% at 2000 micrograms). These were not dose limiting side-effects as subjective symptoms were infrequent at higher doses. 6. Higher than conventional doses of salbutamol given by metered-dose inhaler may produce a distinct improvement in airways response without significant side-effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise are not affected by one night's sleep deprivation during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of one night's sleep deprivation on the cardiorespiratory responses to exercise during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. We have studied nine, healthy females aged 24-35 years with regular menstrual cycles. Each subject performed spirometric tests at rest and then an incremental exercise testing during 11-13 days of follicular phase and 22-24 days of luteal phase following one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep loss. Compared with resting values exercise produced significant increases in cardiorespiratory variables including oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), systolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and respiratory quotient (R). However, it did not alter significantly diastolic blood pressure, end-tidal PO2 (PETO2), end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Spirometric variables which include forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC%, forced expiratory volume in three s (FEV3), forced expired flow from 25-75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%), forced expired flow at 25% of FVC (FEF 25%), forced expired flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50%), forced expired flow at 75% of FVC (FEF 75%), forced expired flow from 75-85% of FVC (FEF 75-85%), peak expiratory flow (PEF), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory capacity (IC) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and cardiorespiratory variables were not different between the cycle phases after one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep deprivation. Neither menstrual cycle phase nor sleep deprivation affected spirometric and cardiorespiratory parameters. We suggest that one night's sleep deprivation does not produce alterations in spirometric parameters and cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise during the follicular and luteal phases.     

FEF200-1200, FEF25-75% and FEF75-85% in non-smokers of either sex and in male smokers residing at an altitude of 2150 M above MSL in Himachal Pradesh

Forced expiratory flow (FEF) rates were determined for 170 (130 males and 40 females) healthy adults of Himachal Pradesh in the age group of 19-26 years for males and 19-22 years for females. The subjects had been staying at an altitude of 2150 M above mean sea level (MSL) for at least three years prior to the conduct of the study. FEF200-1200, FEF25-75% and FEF75-85% were found to be high as compared to those reported from most other parts of the country. The results were found comparable with those reported from certain populations in U.S.A. Further, the flow rates of the non-smoker males were compared with those of the male smokers. FEF75-85% in smokers was significantly less than that of non-smokers, whereas the differences in FEF200-1200 and FEF25-75% were found to be nonsignificant.     

Early protective effects of tiotropium bromide in patients with airways hyperresponsiveness

Tiotropium is an anticholinergic drug for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, with a peak bronchodilator effect observed after 1.5 to 2 hours and a long duration of action. The aim of our study was to quantify the early protection of a single dose of inhaled tiotropium against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients with airway hyperresponsiveness. Ten subjects (7M, 3F), with history of asthma and a baseline FEV(1) (Forced Expiratory Volume 1 sec) > 80% of predicted, were enrolled in the study. Each subject performed three methacholine challenge tests, with a time of 72 hours between each challenge: Test A (methacholine challenge test), and successively, at random, Test B (methacholine 30 minutes after inhaled Tiotropium) and Test C (methacholine 30 minutes after inhaled Placebo). PD20 (Provocative Dose causing a 20% decrease in basal FEV(1) value) was reached to assess airways responsiveness. All the subjects showed in Test A and Test C a mild-moderate airway hyperresponsiveness. In Test B no PD20 was reached at the inhaled maximum dose of methacholine (1600 microg), FEV(1) before tiotropium was 88.6% +/- 4.4, beginning test FEV(1) 92.6% +/- 4.3, end test FEV(1) 85.7% +/- 4.6. Inhaled tiotropium bromide 18 microg has shown a protective effect against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients, with mild-moderate airways hyperresponsiveness, already 30 minutes after its administration.     

Pulmonary function studies in 15 to 18 years age workers exposed to dust in industry.

Pulmonary function tests (VC, FEV1% and FEF25-75%) were evaluated in 15 to 18 years age workers employed in slate pencil industry exposed to silica dust, in wool carpet industry exposed to wool dust and in diamond cutting and polishing exposed to carbon dust. These values were compared with the values obtained in clinically healthy non-smokers of the same age group. The results revealed significant impairment of VC in diamond workers, and FEF25-75% in slate pencil workers. When the values were observed according to smoking habits in diamond workers, VC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% were all significantly reduced in smokers whereas in non-smokers only VC was lowered significantly. Among slate pencil workers FEF25-75% was significantly reduced in both smokers and non-smokers. Wool dust exposed workers showed reduced values than normal subjects. The detailed results including the prevalence of various pulmonary impairments were presented.     

A study of forced vital capacity and its predictors among the sand stone quarry workers

The study assesses the relationship of selected demographic, anthropometric, radiological, work-history and smoking-history related variables with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in a sample of 168 sand stone quarry workers in a desert environment. Except the variables related to smoking behaviour, all are found significantly associated with FVC. The predictors of FVC screened through the multiple regression analysis were age, weight, height, profusion of opacities in chest X-ray and duration of work. Mean FVC was found significantly lower as compared to the healthy adult population. On an average FVC% was 90% of predicted (Percentage deviation of 10%). A clear increasing trend in FVC% along age/duration of work was observed among the young workers, which may be due to building of muscles in this job. Percentage deviation of 20% or more in FVC was significantly associated with presence of radiological opacities suggestive of silicosis (odds Ratio = 3.3). The diagnostic utility of the same is also assessed.     

Status of pulmonary function tests in adolescent females of Delhi

Progesterone is known to cause hyperventilation and hypercapnia in the luteal phase of a normal menstrual cycle. Viewing this fact lung functions were measured in 71 girls with a mean age of 14.5 years during their follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Subjects were grouped into I, II and III depending on the age range. Respiratory functions comprising of FVC, FIVC, TLC, RV/TLC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FRC, PEFR, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, PIFR, RAW and KST respectively were performed using Spiro 232 of PK Morgan under standardized laboratory settings. The anthropometric parameters such as height, weight and arm span were also recorded. The majority of pulmonary functions reflect better values in luteal phase as compared with follicular phase however, a statistically significant higher results of FVC, FIVC, FEV1, and TLC were noticed in group I and group III. These observations suggest a possible role in increased level of progesterone in luteal phase on respiratory system.     

Pulmonary functions in workers of fertiliser and chemical industry

The present study was undertaken to assess the pulmonary functions in fertiliser and chemical industry workers of Kerala. Pulmonary function test was performed with Vitalograph Compact-II spirometer. Exposure to different chemicals, noxious gases and particulate matter of fertiliser and chemical industry was injurious to the normal pulmonary function. Significant decline in lung volumes, viz. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% (P < 0.01) and flow rates, viz. FEF25-75%, FEF0.2-1.2, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75% (P < 0.01) among non-smokers and smokers than that of normal controls was observed. The findings of this study also suggest that with increased duration of exposure to industrial pollutants, lung volumes and flow rates were significantly reduced in workers.     

Lung function development in Indian men and women during late adolescence and early adulthood--a longitudinal study

Lung function development was studied in a cohort of Indian men (n = 31) and women (n = 36), over a period of four years during late adolescence and early adulthood. Forced expiratory spirograms and peak expiratory flow rates were recorded at intervals of approximately two years. All volumes and flow rates were higher in men, but volume adjusted flow rates were higher in women. Forced vital capacity (FVC) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were significantly higher in men even after standardizing for age, height and weight. Height and PEF increased significantly in men and women over the four years. Volumes showed a greater increase whereas flow rates and volume adjusted flow rates showed a greater decrease in men. The decline in the forced expiratory flow in the middle half of the FVC (FEF 25-75%) was significantly less in women. These results suggest that although lung size is greater in men, small airway dynamics may be better in young women.