Respiratory physiotherapy can increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure in GERD patients

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to increase diaphragm thickness. We evaluated the effect of IMT on mid-respiratory pressure (MRP) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and compared the results with a sham group. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (progressive loading group) and 9 controls (sham group) were included. All patients had end expiratory pressure (EEP) between 5 and 10 mmHg, underwent esophageal manometry and pulmonary function tests before and after 8 weeks of training, and used a threshold IMT twice daily. The threshold IMT was set at 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure for the progressive loading group; while, the threshold for sham-treated patients was set at 7 cmH(2)O for the whole period. Results: There was an increase in MRP in 15 (75%) patients in the progressive loading group, with an average gain of 46.6% (p<0.01), and in six (66%) patients in the sham group with a mean increase of 26.2% (p<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.507). The EEP also increased compared with measurements before training (p<0.01), but it did not differ between groups (p = 0.727). Conclusion: IMT increased LES pressure in patients with GERD, in both the treatment and sham groups, after an eight-week program. Although there was no statistically significant difference between groups, suggesting the pressure increase in LES occurs regardless of the resistance load of the threshold IMT. These findings need to be confirmed in further studies with a larger sample. Registration number: 0922/09. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of respiratory biofeedback associated to re-expansive ventilation patterns in individuals with functional mouth breathing

Objectives: Assess the effect of re-expansive respiratory patterns associated to respiratory biofeedback (RBF) on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and habits in individuals with functional mouth breathing (FMB). Methods: Sixty children with FMB were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was submitted to 15 sessions of re-expansive respiratory patterns associated to RBF (biofeedback pletsmovent; MICROHARD (R) V1.0), which provided biofeedback of the thoracic and abdominal movements. The control group was submitted to 15 sessions using biofeedback alone. Spirometry, maximum static respiratory pressure measurements and questions regarding habits (answered by parents/guardians) were carried out before and after therapy. The Student`s t-test for paired data and non-parametric tests were employed for statistical analysis at a 5% Level of significance. Results: Significant changes were found in forced vital. capacity, Tiffeneau index scores, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and habits assessed in FMB with the use of RBF associated to the re-expansive patterns. No significant differences were found comparing the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: The results allow the conclusion that RBF associated to re-expansive patterns improves forced vital capacity, Tiffeneau index scores, respiratory muscle strength and habits in FMB and can therefore be used as a form of therapy for such individuals. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in peak expiratory flow and respiratory strength during the menstrual cycle

This study evaluated the spirometry and respiratory static pressures in 17 young women, twice a week for three successive ovulatory menstrual cycles to determine if such variables changed across the menstrual, follicular, periovulatory, early-tomid luteal and late luteal phases. The factors phases of menstrual cycle and individual cycles had no significant effect on the spirometry variables except for peak expiratory flow (PEF) and respiratory static pressures. Significant weak positive correlations were found between the progesterone:estradiol ratio and PEF and between estrogen and tidal volume (r = 0.37), inspiratory time (r = 0.22), expiratory time (r = 0.19), maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.25) and maximal expiratory pressure (r = 0.20) and for progesterone and maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.32) during the early-to-mid luteal phase. Although most parameters of the spirometry results did not change during the menstrual cycle, the correlations observed between sexual hormones and respiratory control variables suggest a positive influence of sexual female hormones controlling the thoracic pump muscles in the luteal phase

Influence of respiratory biofeedback associated to re-expansive ventilation patterns in individuals with functional mouth breathing

Objectives: Assess the effect of re-expansive respiratory patterns associated to respiratory biofeedback (RBF) on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and habits in individuals with functional mouth breathing (FMB).Methods: Sixty children with FMB were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was submitted to 15 sessions of re-expansive respiratory patterns associated to RBF (biofeedback pletsmovent; MICROHARD (R) V1.0), which provided biofeedback of the thoracic and abdominal movements. The control group was submitted to 15 sessions using biofeedback alone. Spirometry, maximum static respiratory pressure measurements and questions regarding habits (answered by parents/guardians) were carried out before and after therapy. The Student's t-test for paired data and non-parametric tests were employed for statistical analysis at a 5% Level of significance.Results: Significant changes were found in forced vital. capacity, Tiffeneau index scores, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and habits assessed in FMB with the use of RBF associated to the re-expansive patterns. No significant differences were found comparing the experimental and control groups.Conclusions: The results allow the conclusion that RBF associated to re-expansive patterns improves forced vital capacity, Tiffeneau index scores, respiratory muscle strength and habits in FMB and can therefore be used as a form of therapy for such individuals. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Respiratory muscular strength decrease in children with mylomeningocele

Study Design. Case-control study.Objective. To evaluate respiratory muscle force in children with myelomeningocele. Summary of Background Data. Myelomeningocele is a common spinal cord malformation with limitations linked to central nervous system lesions and abnormalities in respiratory movements. Despite this, little attention has been given to evaluating respiratory muscle force in these patients.Methods. Children with myelomeningocele aged between 4 and 14 years ( myelomeningocele group; MG, n = 20) were studied and compared with healthy children ( control group; CG, n = 20) matched for age and gender. Respiratory muscular force was evaluated by maximum inspiratory ( Pimax) and expiratory ( Pemax) pressures.Results. Groups were similar for age [ CG = 8 ( 6 - 13) = MG = 8 ( 4 - 14), P > 0.05]; gender, and body mass index [ CG = 17.4 ( 14.1 - 24.7) x MG = 19.2 ( 12.6 - 31.9), P > 0.05]. The lumbosacral region was predominantly affected ( 45%). Maximum respiratory pressures were significantly higher in CG than MG ( Pimax = CG: similar to 83 +/- 21.75 > MG: -54.1 +/- 23.66; P < 0.001 and Pemax = CG: + 87.4 +/- 26.28 > MG: + 64.6 +/- 26.97; P = 0.01). Patients with upper spinal lesion ( UL) had lower maximum respiratory pressure values than those with lower spinal lesion ( LL), [Pimax ( UL = - 38.33 +/- 11.20 cm H2O x LL = - 60.85 +/- 24.62 cm H2O), P < 0.041 and Pemax ( UL = + 48 +/- 20.82 cm H2O x LL + 71.71 +/- 26.73 cm H2O), P = 0.067]).Conclusion. Children with myelomeningocele at the ages studied presented reduced respiratory muscle force with more compromise in upper spinal lesion.

Changes in peak expiratory flow and respiratory strength during the menstrual cycle

This study evaluated the spirometry and respiratory static pressures in 17 young women, twice a week for three successive ovulatory menstrual cycles to determine if such variables changed across the menstrual, follicular, periovulatory, early-tomid luteal and late luteal phases. The factors phases of menstrual cycle and individual cycles had no significant effect on the spirometry variables except for peak expiratory flow (PEF) and respiratory static pressures. Significant weak positive correlations were found between the progesterone:estradiol ratio and PEF and between estrogen and tidal volume (r = 0.37), inspiratory time (r = 0.22), expiratory time (r = 0.19), maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.25) and maximal expiratory pressure (r = 0.20) and for progesterone and maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.32) during the early-to-mid luteal phase. Although most parameters of the spirometry results did not change during the menstrual cycle, the correlations observed between sexual hormones and respiratory control variables suggest a positive influence of sexual female hormones controlling the thoracic pump muscles in the luteal phase

Changes in peak expiratory flow and respiratory strength during the menstrual cycle

This study evaluated the spirometry and respiratory static pressures in 17 young women, twice a week for three successive ovulatory menstrual cycles to determine if such variables changed across the menstrual, follicular, periovulatory, early-tomid luteal and late luteal phases. The factors phases of menstrual cycle and individual cycles had no significant effect on the spirometry variables except for peak expiratory flow (PEF) and respiratory static pressures. Significant weak positive correlations were found between the progesterone:estradiol ratio and PEF and between estrogen and tidal volume (r = 0.37), inspiratory time (r = 0.22), expiratory time (r = 0.19), maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.25) and maximal expiratory pressure (r = 0.20) and for progesterone and maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.32) during the early-to-mid luteal phase. Although most parameters of the spirometry results did not change during the menstrual cycle, the correlations observed between sexual hormones and respiratory control variables suggest a positive influence of sexual female hormones controlling the thoracic pump muscles in the luteal phase

Dysphagia After Antireflux Fundoplication: Endoscopic, Radiological And Manometric Evaluation.

The transient dysphagia after fundoplication is common and most often disappears until six weeks postoperatively. Analyze a group of patients who presented late and persistent dysphagia postoperatively. Forty-one patients after Nissen fundoplication, 14 male and 27 female, mean age 48 year, were evaluated based on medical history, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, contrast radiographic examination and esophageal manometry. The results were compared with another 19 asymptomatic individuals. Contrast radiographic examination of the esophagus revealed in six cases delayed emptying, characterizing that four patients had achalasia and two diffuse spasm of the esophagus. Esophageal manometry showed that maximal expiratory pressure of the lower sphincter ranged from 10 to 38 mmHg and mean respiratory pressure from 14 to 47 mmHg, values similar to controls. Residual pressure ranged from 5 to 31 mmHg, and 17 patients had the same values as the control group. The residual pressure of the lower sphincter was higher and statistically significant in patients with dysphagia compared with those operated without dysphagia. Future studies individualizing and categorizing each motility disorder, employing other techniques of manometry, and the analysis of the residual pressure may contribute to understand of persistent dysphagia in the postoperative fundoplication.

Le rôle de l’aldostérone sur le remodelage structurel pulmonaire et la fonction ventriculaire droite en insuffisance cardiaque congestive

INTRODUCTION : L’insuffisance cardiaque congestive (ICC) induit remodelage pulmonaire et dysfonction ventriculaire droite (VD) qui contribuent de façon importante à la morbidité/mortalité. Malgré l’efficacité prouvée, l’antagonisme des récepteurs minéralocorticoïdes est sous-utilisé en ICC et ses mécanismes d’actions demeurent incompris. Nous avons évalué si l’Aldostérone contribue au remodelage pulmonaire et à la dysfonction VD en stimulant la prolifération des myofibroblastes (MYFs) pulmonaires. MÉTHODE ET RÉSULTATS : L’étude a été réalisée chez des rats avec infarctus du myocarde (IM) de taille modérée à grande permettant le développement de l’ICC. Deux semaines après l’IM, les rats ont été traités avec 100mg/kg/jour d’Aldactone ou non, pendant trois semaines et comparé à un groupe témoin (N=21;24;8). Comparativement au groupe témoin, les rats IM ont développé une ICC caractérisée par une réduction de la fraction de raccourcissement du VG (53±1%vs.16±2%, moyenne±ESM, P<0.0001), une hypertension pulmonaire (PSVD:27±1vs.40±3mmHg, P<0.01) et une hypertrophie VD (VD/(VG+Septum):24±1%vs.38±3%, P<0.05). L’Aldactone n’a eu aucun effet sur ces paramètres. Les rats IM ont développé un syndrome pulmonaire caractérisé par un abaissement de la courbe respiratoire pression-volume, un remodelage structurel pulmonaire avec doublement du poids poumon sec (P<0.01) et de la fibrose pulmonaire avec augmentation du taux de collagène dans les poumons (P<0.05). L’Aldactone n’a pas restauré la fonction pulmonaire. Enfin, les MYFs pulmonaires isolés n’ont pas proliféré avec l’exposition de 48h aux deux traitements d’Aldostérone (10-7M, 10-6M). CONCLUSION : L’Aldostérone ne contribue pas au remodelage pulmonaire et à la dysfonction VD associés à l’ICC. D’autres mécanismes d’actions sont responsables des effets bénéfiques de l’Aldactone.

Origem física das curvas sigmoidais respiratórias pressão-volume: recrutamento alveolar e elasticidade não-linear

An important unsolved problem in medical science concerns the physical origin of the sigmoidal shape of pressure volume curves of healthy (and some unhealthy) lungs. Such difficulties are expected because the lung, which is the most important structure in the respiratory system, is extremely complex. Its rheological properties are unknown and seem to depend on phenomena occurring from the alveolar scale up to the thoracic scale. Conventional wisdom holds that linear response, i.e., Hooke s law, together with alveolar overdistention, play a dominant role in respiration, but such assumptions cannot explainthe crucial empirical sigmoidal shape of the curves. In this doctorate thesis, we propose an alternative theory to solve this problem, based on the alveolar recruitment together with the nonlinear elasticity of the alveoli. This theory suggests that recruitment may be the predominant factor shaping these curves in the entire range of pressures normally employed in experiments. The proposed model correctly predicts the observed sigmoidal pressure volume curves, allowing us to discuss adequately the importance of this result, as well as its implications for medical practice

Efeitos da perda de peso induzida pela cirurgia bariátrica sobre a função respiratória

Background: Obesity leads to alteration of lung volumes and capacities due to accumulation of fat in the chest wall and abdomen. Few studies have shown that weight loss induced by surgery improves lung function. Our objective was to evaluate the anthropometric development, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle, strength and endurance after weight loss induced by bariatric surgery. Methods: We evaluated in pre and post operative period variables of weight, BMI, NC, WHR and spirometric and respiratory pressure. Results: 39 subjects were evaluated, with age mean 35.9 ± 10.9 years, predominantly by women (76.3%). The weight mean decreased from 124.8 ± 17.5 kg to 88.8 ± 14.28 kg in post operative. The mean BMI ranged from 47,9 ± 5,6 Kg/m² to 34,3 ± 4,75 Kg/m². There was a significant increase in FVC from 3,63 ± 0,94 to 4,01±1,03, FEV1 from 3,03 ± 0,72 to 3,39 ± 0,85, FEF 25-75% from 3,41 ± 0,72 to 3,82 ± 0,94, PEF from 6,56 ± 1,47 to 7,81 ± 1,69, ERV from 0,35 ± 0,39 to 0,66 ± 0,38, MVV ranged from 103,43 ± 22,21 to 137,27 ± 29,84, all of them to p<0,01. The MIP and MEP showed no significant difference in pre and post operative. It was noted that for every centimeter reduced in neck circumference, an increase of 0.06 in FVC and 5.98 in MVV is observed. This is also observed in weight and BMI. Conclusion: We conclude that weight loss induced by bariatric surgery in obese provides a significant improvement in lung function and reduction of fat around the neck is more important in the generation of lung volume than the reduction of BMI

Associação entre diferentes marcadores antropométricos com variáveis espirométricas e de força muscular respiratória em obesos mórbidos

A obesidade é uma epidemia global em alarmante ascensão. Caracterizada pelo excesso de gordura corporal subcutânea, de caráter multifatorial, está relacionada ao surgimento de diversas co-morbidades, entre elas, várias alterações respiratórias, estas se tornam mais intensas quanto maior o grau de obesidade. Não há consenso na relação entre os marcadores de adiposidade geral ou específicos e suas repercussões sobre a função ventilatória, especialmente em relação à sobrecarga muscular respiratória. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre marcadores antropométricos e variáveis espirométricas e de força muscular respiratória em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida. Métodos: Estudo transversal entre setembro de 2007 e outubro de 2012. Participaram da pesquisa 163 obesos mórbidos (37.1±9.8 anos e IMC=49.0±5.88 Kg/m2) sem alterações espirométricas. Foram observadas as associações entre Índice de Massa Corporal-IMC, adiposidade localizada (Circunferências de Pescoço-CP, Cintura-CC e Quadril-CQ), percentual de gordura corporal através do Índice de Adiposidade Corporal-IAC, volumes e capacidades pulmonares (CVF, VEF1 e VRE) e pressões respiratória estática (PIM e PEM) e dinâmica (VVM). Resultados: O VRE foi o volume mais afetado pela obesidade (apenas 41%predito) e mostrou associação negativa nas relações com todos os marcadores de adiposidade (IMC: r=-0.52; IAC: r=-0.21; CC: r=-0.44; CP: r=-0.25 e CQ: r=-0.28). Há relação inversa entre o percentual de gordura corporal (IAC) com a CVF (r=-0.59), o VEF1(r=-0.56) e o VVM (r=-0.43). As pressões respiratórias são justificadas principalmente pela adiposidade ao redor do pescoço e o IAC. Nossos dados de força muscular respiratória foram melhores associados aos valores de referências sugeridos pelas equações de Harik-Klan et al (1998) para PIM (R²=0.72) e com a equação proposta por Neder et al (1999) para PEM (R²=0.52). Em um modelo de regressão linear, as variáveis de adiposidade não justificam a VVM, já o VEF1 explica 62% da variância da VVM em obesos mórbidos. Conclusão: O percentual da adiposidade corporal e a circunferência do pescoço estão associados com a força muscular e capacidade de gerar fluxo respiratório de obesos mórbidos. Sugerimos a equação elaborada por Harik-Klan et al (1998) para obtenção de valores preditos de PIM e a equação proposta por Neder et al (1999) para valores de normalidade da PEM em sujeitos com obesidade mórbida. Foi possível fornecer uma equação de referência específica para VVM em obesos mórbidos

Surgical risk tests related to cardiopulmonary postoperative complications: comparison between upper abdominal and thoracic surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate if tests used in the preoperative period of upper abdominal or thoracic surgeries are able to differentiate the patients that presented cardiopulmonary postoperative complications. METHODS: Seventy eight patients, 30 submitted to upper abdominal surgery and 48 to thoracic surgery were evaluated. Spirometry, respirometry, manovacuometry, six-minute walk test and stair-climbing test were performed. Complications from immediate postoperative to discharge from hospital were registered. RESULTS: The postoperative complications rate was 17% in upper abdominal surgery and 10% in thoracic surgery. In the univariate regression, the only variable that kept the correlation with postoperative complications in the upper abdominal surgery was maximal expiratory pressure. In thoracic surgery, the maximal voluntary ventilation, six-minute walk test and time in stair-climbing test presented correlation with postoperative complications. After multiple regression only stair-climbing test continued as an important risk predictor in thoracic surgery. CONCLUSION: The respiratory pressure could differentiate patients with complications in upper abdominal surgery, whereas in thoracic surgery, only spirometric values and exercise tests could differentiate them.

Pressões respiratórias máximas em crianças portadoras de mielomeningocele

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da musculatura inspiratória e expiratória na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica leve e grave comparada aos indivíduos saudáveis

Introdução: A DPOC é uma doença respiratória prevenível e tratável, caracterizada por limitação persistente ao fluxo aéreo, hiperinsuflação e aprisionamento aéreo. A dispneia e a intolerância aos esforços, decorrentes destas alterações fisiopatológicas sofre influência de vários fatores. Dentre estes, o recrutamento e a sobrecarga imposta aos músculos inspiratórios e expiratórios são de fundamental importância, porém a participação destes ainda não foi completamente elucidada em diferentes gravidades da doença. Objetivos: O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar a mecânica ventilatória, e o grau de recrutamento da musculatura inspiratória e expiratória na DPOC leve e grave, na condição de repouso e durante um teste máximo de exercício, comparado a um grupo de indivíduos saudáveis. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo 36 indivíduos, sendo 24 pacientes portadores de DPOC e 12 voluntários sadios. As avaliações foram divididas em 2 visitas. No D1, foram realizadas uma avaliação clínica, avaliação de dispneia (mMRC) e de qualidade de vida (SGRQ), além da prova de função pulmonar completa. Na 2ª visita, realizada com intervalo de 1 semana, foram avaliadas: as pressões respiratórias máximas estáticas por meio de métodos volitivos (PImax, PEmax, SNIP, Pes sniff, Pga sniff e Pdi sniff) e não volitivos (Twitch cervical bilateral e T10); avaliação da sincronia toracoabdominal por pletismografia de indutância; avaliação do recrutamento dos músculos inspiratórios e expiratórios ao repouso pela eletromiografia de superfície; e, posteriormente, um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar incremental para estudo de todas essas variáveis no esforço. Resultados: Foram avaliados 24 pacientes (12 leves e 12 graves) e 12 indivíduos saudáveis da mesma faixa etária. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava comprometimento significativo da qualidade de vida e os pacientes do grupo grave eram mais sintomáticos. A função pulmonar encontrava-se alterada na maioria dos pacientes. Destes, 79,2% apresentavam aprisionamento aéreo e 70,8% tinham redução da DLCO. Tais alterações foram semelhantes nos 2 grupos de pacientes. A força muscular estática medida por métodos volitivos e não volitivos estava reduzida nos 2 grupos e mostrou relação com o VEF1. No exercício, a dispneia foi o principal motivo para interrupção do teste em 70% dos pacientes. A HD esteve presente em 87,5% dos pacientes. O comportamento das pressões respiratórias foi significativamente diferente entre os 3 grupos. Os pacientes com DPOC apresentaram maior atividade diafragmática (Pdi) comparado aos controles e a participação da musculatura expiratória também foi maior neste grupo, principalmente nos graves. Apesar disso, os pacientes com DPOC apresentaram uma eficiência mecânica reduzida, ou seja, esse incremento da força muscular foi insuficiente para manter uma ventilação adequada para uma determinada carga. Com o aumento da demanda ventilatória, houve recrutamento precoce e progressivo dos músculos inspiratórios e expiratórios durante o exercício. O trabalho resistivo e o expiratório foram significativamente diferentes entre os controles e os pacientes com DPOC desde o início do exercício. Como consequência destas alterações, a intensidade da dispneia durante o TECP foi maior nos pacientes com DPOC (leve e grave) para a mesma carga e mesma ventilação-minuto (VE), quando comparada aos indivíduos do grupo-controle. Conclusões: O conjunto destes achados demonstra que o comprometimento dos músculos inspiratórios e expiratórios contribuiu significativamente para a dispneia e a intolerância ao exercício tanto no DPOC leve quanto no DPOC grave. E que este comprometimento pode não ser detectado com os testes máximos de força ao repouso