Study of pulmonary function tests in workers of rurally located flour mills

Background: Agro-based industrial works like flour milling are a significant component in the industrial arena of Kerala. In milling industry, dusts are produced in substantial quantities and inhalation of which can result in pulmonary impairment in workers. In such situations, spirometric evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effect of flour dust on pulmonary function among flour mill workers and to study the variation in pulmonary function among workers according to duration of exposure and their working environment in the factory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wheat flour mills. Subjects were selected after proper exclusion and after getting informed consent. In the present study, 79 flour mill workers aged more than 20 years and employed for more than 1year, were considered and their FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEFR and FEF25-75% values were assessed. The objective was to find out the effect of their duration of employment and exposure to dust on their spirometric parameters based on their type of job and age. These parameters were tested using a portable electronic spirometer in the factory premises. Results: The study showed no significant relation of these parameters with duration of employment and dust exposure. However, there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 with increasing age. Conclusion: Even though apparently normal PFT values are obtained in many subjects, these may be on the extremes of normal spectrum.

Comparison of the effect of recumbent body positions on dynamic lung function parameters in healthy adults

Background: Pulmonary function parameters can be altered with the change in body position. Therefore, physiological basis behind such consequent influence is essential to be understood. Pulmonary function tests are generally conducted in the erect sitting posture as it is more feasible and comfortable. However, bedridden patients are unable to do so and only few studies are found on recumbent postures. Thus, to comfort such patients in breathing, need arises to meet this requisite investigation to conclude the best recumbent body posture. Aim and Objectives: To compare and assess forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow of during 25�% expiration (FEF25�%, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) in the Supine, Crook-lying and Fowler抯 position. Materials and Methods: The present research was carried out on 128 healthy adults to measure FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25�% and PEF using a computer-based spirometer in the Supine, Crook-lying and Fowler抯 position. One-way Analysis of Variance with Tukey HSD post-hoc test was utilized between each body postures by evaluation of their mean values. Results: This study consisted of 128 subjects (males 57, females 71) with mean age of 21.62 � 1.75 years, mean weight 59.71 � 9.97 kg, mean height 164.68 � 9.30 cm and Body mass index 21.91 � 2.38 kg/m2. Fowler抯 posture showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher value in all spirometric parameters as compared to other two postures. Outcome of the study showed all spirometric parameters value- greater in the Fowler抯 posture than that of Supine or Crook-lying posture. Conclusion: The implication of this research is that it will meet the need of selection of the most suitable substitute posture for better pulmonary functioning in bedridden people.

Pulmonary function tests in subclinical hypothyroidism-a comparative cross-sectional study

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) reflects the earliest stage of thyroid dysfunction with subjects having normal free thyroid hormones T3, T4 with elevated Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values. Hypothyroidism may depress the central ventilator control and affects respiratory muscle strength which is linearly related to the thyroid hormone levels. In hypothyroidism, the impairment of pulmonary functions may be initiated at the subclinical stage of hypothyroidism. Aim and Objectives: The present study was designed to derive Forced Vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, Peak expiratory flow rate and FEF 25–75 % in subclinical hypothyroid subjects and to compare the values with that of healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in subjects aged between 25 and 60 years in which 85 subclinical hypothyroid cases were selected after proper exclusion and informed consent. 85 age and sex matched healthy controls were also studied. Statistical package for social sciences version 18 was used for statistical analysis. Results: All spirometric variables were found to be lower in subclinical hypothyroid subjects than in healthy controls and the abnormalities were of mixed pattern-both obstructive and restrictive. All values obtained were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with SCH should be regularly screened with pulmonary function tests as respiratory derangement starts even at this stage. This will help for early diagnosis and treatment, and to prevent future complications.

FEV1/FEV6 y FEV6 una alternativa para FEV1/FVC y FVC en la detección de obstrucción de vías respiratorias / FEV1/FEV6 and FEV6 an alternative for FEV1/FVC and FVC in the detection of airway obstruction

INTRODUCCIÓN: el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar si los puntos de corte fijos y el límite inferior de lo normal (LLN) para el volumen espiratorio forzado en un segundo (FEV1) y el volumen espiratorio forzado en 6 segundos (FEV6) FEV1/FEV6 y el FEV6 son una medida alternativa para el FEV1 y la capacidad vital forzada (FVC), FEV1/FVC y la FVC en la detección de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), en una muestra de pacientes del oriente boliviano. MÉTODOS: se analizaron un total de 92 pruebas espirométricas, 66 varones y 26 mujeres con riesgo de EPOC. La población del estudio incluyó a residentes de la ciudad de Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Bolivia (ciudad cosmopolita) de 35 a 90 años de edad. RESULTADOS: la sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron del 97,0% y el 96,9%, respectivamente, cuando se compararon los valores de corte fijos de FEV1/FEV6 de 0,73 con los de FEV1/FVC < 0,7 como regla estándar, según las recomendaciones del global obstructive lung diseases (GOLD) para detectar la obstrucción de las vías respiratorias. La sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron de 93,4% y 81,2%, respectivamente, cuando el LLN de FEV1/FVC y FEV1/FEV6 fueron utilizados. CONCLUSIONES: en conclusión, el FEV6 es un sustituto válido de la CVF para detectar la obstrucción de las vías respiratorias, ya sea utilizando puntos de corte fijos o el LLN. Se necesitan más estudios para verificar estos resultados en una población más grande y para establecer los valores predictivos espirométricos locales.

INTRODUCTION: the aim of this study was to verify if fixed cut-off points and lower limit of normal (LLN) for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FEV6 and FEV6 as an alternative for FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FVC are valid for the detection of obstructive lung disease in a sample of Bolivian subjects. METHODS: a total of 92 spirometric consecutive tests from subjects, 66 males and 26 females at risk for COPD were analyzed. The study population included residents of city Santa Cruz de la Sierra, (Bolivia) aged from 35 to 90 yrs., from various ethnical origins (cosmopolitan city). RESULTS: sensibility and specificity were 97.0% and 96.9%, respectively when fixed cut-off values of FEV1/FEV6 of 0.73 was compared to FEV1/FVC<0.7 as standard, according to GOLD recommendations to detect airway obstruction. Sensibility and specificity were 100% and 89.5%, respectively when LLN of FEV1/FVC and FEV1/FEV6 were used. CONCLUSIONS: in conclusion, FEV6 is a valid surrogate for FVC to detect airway obstruction, either using fixed cut-off points or LLN. Further study is needed to verify these results in a larger population and to establish local spirometric predicted values

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and steroids: benefit or harm

Background: Corticosteroids are being widely used in conditions related to allergy and inflammation. There are great species differences in the responses to glucocorticoids that mean a “steroid resistant” species. Steroids have profound effect on inflammatory response by way of vasoconstriction, decreased chemotaxis and interference with macrophages. There still are enormous gaps in our knowledge of the action of glucocorticosteroids in patients of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).Methods: This study was done in the department of general medicine at SKIMS, Srinagar from December 2017 to December 2018 on patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A total number of 100 patients were enrolled for the study but 20 patients, 10 from each group lost their follow up. To see the effect of steroids on pulmonary function tests, patients were divided into case and control group. Patients in case group were given prednisolone 30 mg orally for two week (tapering dose). Patients in control group were given placebo for the same duration of two weeks. Steroid response was defined as 15% improvement in baseline forced expiratory volume (FEV).Results: Steroid response was defined as 15% increase in forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) after receiving tapering dose of prednisone 30 mg for 2 weeks, no patients in case group showed increase in FEV1/FVC of 15%. The change in pulmonary function tests was comparable in each group (p>0.5).Conclusions: The change in pulmonary function tests were comparable in each group (p>0.5). So, steroids in stable patients of COPD are best to be avoided.

A comparative study of lung function among sawmills workers in central India

Background: Many of the studies have put forth the hypothesis that sawdust deteriorates lung function, increases the incidence and prevalence of diseases of the respiratory system, and can predispose to cancer and deaths. Deterioration of lung function can be tested by pulmonary function tests. Several studies have shown respiratory disorders in sawmill workers, including the reduction of pulmonary function tests, but there is a paucity of such studies in Central India; hence, in this study, we tried to study comparative lung function among sawmill workers. Objective: The objective of this study was as follows: (i) To study the lung function of workers in sawmill industry, (ii) comparative assessment of lung function with those of controls, and (iii) to study the effect of occupational exposure to wood dust. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the sawmills in Nagpur city from September 2013 to December 2015. Sawmill workers were the study group and local government workers as comparison group. Each worker was examined in a separate room away from the workplace. Spirometry was done to assess the lung function using the UK’s Compact Vitalograph. Subjects in the control group were also examined with the spirometry. The lung function values of sawmill workers compared with the control and the difference in them was assessed both numerically and statistically. Results: Mean of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow25–75, and peak expiratory flow rate was significantly decreased among sawmill workers as compared to control group (P < 0.05), but FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly elevated among sawmill workers (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We have concluded that sawmill workers suffered from obstructive or restrictive type of pulmonary disorder, but the predominant type was restrictive lung disease.

Pulmonary function test in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: We are today witnessing a pandemic of diabetes mellitus (DM), globally and nationally. DM and its complications have become the most important contemporary and challenging health problems. Diabetes is not associated with any specific pulmonary symptom and hence periodic screening for lung disease is not done in diabetic patients. However, an extensive microvascular circulation and an abundant connective tissue in the lung raise the possibility that the lung may also be a target organ in diabetic patients. The aim and objectives were to study the pulmonary function of individual with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by performing spirometry.Methods: Study included non-smoker diabetic patients, who had no history of respiratory disease, were selected for this study and undergone pulmonary function test by spirometry. The study was conducted at department of General Medicine Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.Results: Present study, author found that there was significant derangement in the spirometric readings in the diabetic patients. The FEV1/FVC values further declines as the duration of diabetes increased.Conclusions: Spirometric values (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) were consistently lower in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect on FVC predicted % was found to be more pronounced in subjects whose duration of DM was more than 5 years.

Effects of a Swimming Training Session on Pulmonary Functions in Young Adult Beginners

Introduction: It is well documented that any sort of exercisedone regularly, is beneficial for health. Swimming is noexception and considered to be a very good exercise formaintaining proper health and also has a profound effect on thelung functions. Regular swimming practice gives a positiveeffect on the lungs by increasing the pulmonary capacity andthus improves the lung functions. The proposed study wascarried out with the above background, among swimmingbeginners undergoing a swimming training session to see howa course of swimming affect the lung function parameters.Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 32males and 12 females’ healthy young adults of either sex ofage group of 18-35 yrs. At the beginning of the swimmingsession recording of pulmonary functions tests was done foreach selected candidate (control group). Again procedureswere repeated at the end of three months and at the end of sixmonths for same candidates (case group).Results: In the present study, it is observed that there issignificant increase (p value <0.05) in FVC, FEV1, PEFR andMVV after three months and after six months of swimmingboth males and females separately.Conclusion: From the present study we concluded that evenafter short course of swimming training session there issignificant benefit in some parameters of lung function. Theimprove lungs function is thought to be duo to increase inrespiratory muscle mass. More elaborate and multi-centredstudies are needed to corroborate our findings

Study on Impact of Obesity on Lung Volumes in Elderly Population

Introduction: The Pulmonary function tests in subjects withnormal BMI and with obese individuals were done andcorrelated with the severity of obesity. Considering the PFTchanges, normal study was present in 17%. But, remainingindividuals showed proportionate decrease in both FEV1 andFVC values. These changes were independent of age, sex andblood pressure.Methods and Results: Selection of the Subjects Obeseindividuals of about 30 people with BMI >30 of both sexes ofage group between 30 -45 years were included in this study.The healthy volunteers, visitors or relatives of patients visitingS. P. Medical College Hospital, Bikaner Rajasthan were takenas subjects. So, the PFT changes are more of restrictive thanobstructive pattern which can leads to decreased chest walland lung compliance, respiratory muscle strength andendurance which ultimately ends in poor pulmonary ventilation.Hence, this non-invasive procedure may be utilized as aroutine screening test for obese people for better medical care.Conclusion: Thus, obesity is associated with a wide variety ofPFT abnormalities, many of which can be corrected by weightloss

Correlation of Body Mass Index with Pulmonary Function Tests in North Indian Females

Introduction: Obesity is becoming one of the serious publichealth problems of modern world with rapidly changinglifestyles involving consumption of high calorie foods withdecreased physical activities. Spirometery is the initialscreening tool for pulmonary diseases. The aim of this studywas to evaluate the prevalence of deranged BMI, pulmonaryfunction tests and correlation between BMI and pulmonaryfunction test.Material and methods: This study was done on 300 femalesubjects in the age group of 18-25 years including 150 fromrural area and 150 from urban area of North Indian populations.Various anthropometric measurements (height, weight) weretaken. BMI was calculated. Parameters of pulmonary functiontests such as FVC, FEV1,FEV1/FVC,FEF25-75%,PEFR weremeasured by spirometer.Results: The mean value of BMI in rural and urban populationis (23.33±4.75) and (22.55±4.57) respectively. On comparingPulmonary function parameters of both the population, allthe parameters were significantly higher in urban populationexcept FEV1/FVC.Conclusion: Prevalence of deranged BMI was significantlyhigher in rural population. Negative correlation found betweenBMI with Pulmonary function tests in both population exceptFEV1 and FVC which showed positive correlation in urbanpopulation.

Air pollution and its association with respiratory dysfunction among healthy adolescents: a cross sectional study from South Western Punjab, India

Background: This study has been performed to compare the pulmonary functions of healthy adolescents studying in schools situated in highly polluted areas with those studying in schools of low polluted areas of south western Punjab.Methods: This study was conducted in various schools located at Faridkot and Bathinda city. These places had been identified by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) as having low and high air pollution levels respectively. Study Population divided into two groups that is Group A: 300 children from schools situated in Bathinda city. Group B:' 301 children from schools situated in Faridkot city. Spiro Excel spirometer was used, and following parameters were obtained: FVC, FEV?, FEV?% (relation of FEV? to FVC), PEFR, FEF25-75%. Results: FVC was low in males and females in the high polluted group as compared in the low polluted group (p = 0.042; significant; males) (p = 0.039; significant; females). FEV? was low in males and females in high polluted group as compared in low polluted group (p = 0.003; significant; males) (p = 0.026; significant; females). In this study only, males showed a significant fall in mean percentage of FEF25-75%. PEFR was low in males in high polluted group as compared to that in low polluted group (p = 0.007; significant) while in females it was insignificant.Conclusions: It is concluded that in South Western Punjab, air pollution has detrimental effect on pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV?, FEV?%, FEF25-75% and PEFR) in healthy adolescents.

Design and Verification of a COPD Screening Equipment Based on Dual-differential Pressure Throttling Technique / 中国医疗器械杂志

This study was to design a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening equipment, based on the dual-differential pressure throttling technique. The technique combined a wide range, but low-resolution ratio sensor and a narrow range, but high-resolution ratio one. It can accurately detect the indexes of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV), one second rate(FEV/FVC (%)), and achieve them in a low-cost way. The new designed machine will be compared with a British machine, named ML-3500. The correlations of FVC and FEV between new machine and ML-3500 were 0.998 and 0.999, respectively. The P values of paired test of these two indexes were over 0.05. Bland-Altman analysis of FVC, FEV and FEV/FVC (%) showed that more than 90% of the scatter points of the three parameters fell within the consistency interval. This machine can be used to accurately screen COPD and its low-cost would be advantage to promote in large population.

Clinical evaluation pulmonary function test in type II Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with continuing damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The pathogenesis is thought to involve both a micro-angiopathic process and non-enzymatic glycosylation of tissue proteins. It has been demonstrated that pulmonary complications in diabetes are due to thickening of walls of alveoli, alveolar capillaries, and pulmonary arterioles and these changes cause pulmonary dysfunction. Aim of the study: To correlate the lung function in type II diabetes with duration of diabetes and to find out whether it is obstructive or restrictive pattern. Materials and methods: Totally 100 subjects participated in the study. Out of 100 participants, 50 were type II diabetes forming the study group and the remaining 50 were normal subjects forming the control group. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination were carried out. Inclusion criteria were Apparently healthy individuals with type II diabetic patients on oral hypoglycemic drugs and having diabetes for more than 2 years duration of age group 35 – 55 years. Thorough clinical examination and history were obtained from the subjects in order to determine the health status of the individual. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Glycemic status for the participants was measured by doing fasting & postprandial blood sugar. HbA1c was determined. Results: The Mean (±SD) of HbA1c of controls was 3.16 ± 0.482 and for the study group was 5.38 ± 1.174, showed that the controls and study group with good glycemic control were selected for the study. The mean (±SD) of FEV1 for the control group were 91.40±11.236 and for diabetic group were 81.15±16.523. It was found to be significantly reduced (P= 0.002). The mean (±SD) of FVC for the control group was 81.85±9.211and for diabetic group was 73.75±13.933. The mean (±SD) of PEFR for the control group was 98.85±21.996 and for diabetic group was 85.95±24.045. The mean values of Mathew Jeraud. Clinical evaluation pulmonary function test in type II Diabetes Mellitus. IAIM, 2019; 6(9): 37-42. Page 38 FVC and PEFR were found to be reduced in diabetic group when compared to controls and were statistically significant. The mean (±SD) of FEV1/FVC% for the control group was 117.05±7.250 and for diabetic group was 116.58±7.071. The mean (±SD) of FEF25-75% for the control group was 136.73±26.056 and for diabetic group was 125.63±41.009. The mean (±SD) of MVV for the control group was 65.20±15.010 and for diabetic group was 58.80±16.530. The mean values of FEV1/FVC%, FEF25-75%, and MVV were reduced in diabetic group when compared with the control group but not statistically significant. Conclusion: The pulmonary dysfunction may be one of the earliest and easily measurable nonmetabolic alterations in diabetes. Therefore the patients with diabetes are suggested to undergo pulmonary function testing periodically. As spirometry is much more reliable, valid and simple test, it is time to include the spirometer as a tool for monitoring diabetes. Strict glycemic control and regular breathing exercises to strengthen respiratory muscles are necessary to improve the pulmonary function in type II diabetics.

Which is better among FEV1/FVC and FEV1/SVC in obstructive airway disease?

Background: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity ratio (FVC) is being used to diagnose the obstructive lung diseases. Forced manoeuvre (FVC) or relaxed/slow manoeuvre (SVC) can be used to determine vital capacity (VC). In healthy individuals the difference between SVC and FVC (SVC-FVC) is minimal whereas in the presence of airway obstruction this difference will become significant. The present study was done with the objective to detect and compare the airway obstruction by determining the FEV1/FVC and FEV1/ SVC ratios.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study done at OPD, Government Thiruvoteeswarar hospital of thoracic medicine/Kilpauk medical college during the period from September 2016 to February 2017among the patients presenting with symptoms of obstructive airway disease. The sample comprised of 353 patients who underwent spirometry according to standard of ATS/ERS guidelines. As per the criteria, the patients are classified into four groups, by spirometry.Results: The analysis of FEV1/FVC revealed the presence of airway obstruction in 131 (37%) individuals compared to 165 (46%) individuals by the analysis of Fev1/SVC ratio. In the obstruction and mixed groups, the difference in vital capacity SVC – FVC is statistically superior (p<0.05) when compared to normal and restriction groups.Conclusions: The FEV1/SVC ratio detected the presence of airway obstruction in more individuals than did FEV1/FVC ratio and hence FEV1/SVC considered as more reliable factor in the detection of obstructive airway diseases.

Diabetic: A Comparative Study

Background and Objectives: Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is particularly common medical disorder and is leading cause of morbidity worldwide. The complication of DM is due to micro or macro vascular damage. The presence of an extensive microvascular circulation and abundant connective tissue in the lungs raises the possibility that lung tissue may be a target organ in diabetic patients and thus pulmonary function test can be affected by DM. This study was designed to compare pulmonary function test between Type II diabetic and non-diabetic individuals; and, with the duration of DM.Material and Methods: This cross sectional comparative study was conducted at King Edward Medical University, Lahore Pakistan. Total sample consist of 91 diabetic and 91 non-diabetic grouped as group A and group B. FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR were compared within two groups and with the duration of DM.Results: Total 182 sample with mean age 53.1±5.90 years, with 91(50%) male and 91(50%) female. Group A and B had 91(50%) sample each. Mean value of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR showed statistically significant difference among the both group. Mean of FVC decreases significantly with the increasing duration of DM; although, is not significant with FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR.Conclusion: Diabetic group showed significantly impaired pulmonary functions test as FEV1, FVC, and PEFR as compare to non-diabetic group.

Comparison between FEV1/FEV6 and FEV1/FVC as screening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To compare FEV1/FEV6 to the standard spirometry (FEV1/FVC) as a screening tool for COPD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis, Malaysia from August 2015 to April 2016. FEV1/FEV6 and FEV1/FVC results of 117 subjects were analysed. Demographic data and spirometric variables were tabulated. A scatter plot graph with Spearman’s correlation was constructed for the correlation between FEV1/FEV6 and FEV1/FVC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of FEV1/FEV6 were determined with reference to the gold standard of FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Kappa statistics were used to determine the FEV1/FEV6 ratio in predicting an FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70. Results: Spearman’s correlation with r = 0.636 (P<0.001) was demonstrated. The area under the ROC curve was 0.862 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.779 - 0.944, P<0.001). The FEV1/FEV6 cut-off with the greatest sum of sensitivity and specificity was 0.75. FEV1/FEV6 sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 93.02%, 67.74%, 88.89% and 77.78% respectively. There was substantial agreement between the two diagnostic cut-offs (κ = 0.634; 95% CI: 0.471 - 0.797, P<0.001) Conclusions: The FEV1/FEV6 ratio can be considered to be a good alternative to the FEV1/FVC ratio for screening of COPD. Larger multicentre study and better education on spirometric techniques can validate similar study outcome and establish reference values appropriate to the population being studied.

Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture plus Medication for Cough Variant Asthma / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction in treating cough variant asthma (CVA).Method Sixty-two CVA patients were randomized into a treatment group of 32 cases and a control group of 30 cases.The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction,and the control group was intervened by Montelukast sodium tablets.Before and after 3 courses of treatment,the score of cough,eosinophil (EOS) count,pulmonary function tests [peak expiratory flow (PEF),forced vital capacity (FVC),and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)] were observed.The clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result After the treatment,the score of cough,EOS count,and pulmonary function tests (PEF,FVC,and FEV1) were changed significantly in both groups (P＜0.05).The score of cough,EOS level and pulmonary function tests in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group after the treatment (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The total effective rate was 93.8％ in the treatment group versus 80.0％ in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction is an effective method in treating CVA.

Spirometry reference values in the Brazilian population

The aim of the present study was to provide new spirometry reference equations in a sample of the Brazilian population for the following parameters: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak of expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF50%), 75% average vital capacity (FEF25-75%), and average forced expiratory flow time (FEFT). This was a prospective study using results from chest radiographs, electrocardiograms, and questionnaires to investigate the participants' respiratory symptoms, sedentarism, and comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index). From December 2010 to July 2014, individuals were randomly selected from various locations in the state of Rio de Janeiro. All individuals were examined by a single technician in the morning at the laboratory, and performed the spirometry with the same spirometer. Spirometry values were tabulated for the creation of three equation models: linear regression, logarithmic regression, and logarithms through a method that incorporates the lambda, median, and coefficient of variation (LMS method). Initially, 7003 individuals from both genders were contacted, and 454 were recruited. The data from the new equations were compared with one Brazilian and eight international equations, resulting in a high correlation (r>0.9). The values derived from the LMS method and linear regression were very similar (P>0.5), and both could be used to acquire the reference values for Brazilian spirometry. Data derived from the equations of this study were different from the current Brazilian equation, which could be justified by the different method used.

Study of FEV1/FVC Ratio In Relation to BMI in Young Group of Rohilkhand Region.

Background: The aim of study was to to assess respiratory indices in underweight and overweight young group (subcategory) and compare the same with normal weight controls (in the age group of 18 to 30 years). Methods: In the present study 210 subjects were included, aged between 18 yrs-30 yrs after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The groups (n=210, case= 132 and control= 78) are divided into group A, B, C, D, E and F respectively each having 21, 78, 40. 35, 29 and 7 subjects on the basis Of international classification of BMI. Results: In our study mean predicted value of FEV1/FVC ratio in group A 84.02±31.24(underweight), group C 86.83±29.46(pre-obese), group D 92.10±13.31(obese class 1),group 93.72±9.49 ( obese class 2) and group F191.02±22.24( obese class 3), when compared to control group B 87.95±26.77 was found to be decreased in group A and increased in other obese group , but it was within normal range in all groups and no statistical difference found between different groups (P value>0.05). Conclusion: After analyzing the data, we did not observe any statistically significant difference in FEV1/FVC between the control and underweight and overweight group.

Correlation between abdominal muscle strength and pulmonary function in subjects with low back pain

Introduction: The diaphragm is man's main respiratory muscle. The role of the abdominal muscles is seen in both quiet and forceful breathing. Abdominal muscle function could be affected in subjects with back pain. Few studies are done about the relation between expiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of abdominal muscle strength with pulmonary function in patients with low back pain. Materials and methods: Sixty subjects with low back pain were included in the study. Subjects with history of acute or chronic respiratory disorders were excluded. Abdominal muscle strength was measured by curl up test and FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured to assess pulmonary functional. Results: Using Spearman test for correlation between abdominal muscle strength and FEV1/FVC (r= - 0.27, p=0.03), and between abdominal muscle strength and PEFR (r=0.34, p=0.007) was seen. Conclusion: There was a weak correlation between abdominal muscle strength and pulmonary function in subjects of low back pain.