Ultrasound assessment of the respiratory system using diaphragm motion-volume indices.

Background: Although previous studies have determined limit values of normality for diaphragm excursion and thickening, it would be beneficial to determine the normal diaphragm motion-to-inspired volume ratio that integrates the activity of the diaphragm and the quality of the respiratory system. Methods: To determine the normal values of selected ultrasound diaphragm motion-volume indices, subjects with normal pulmonary function testing were recruited. Ultrasound examination recorded diaphragm excursion on both sides during quiet breathing and deep inspiration. Diaphragm thickness was also measured. The inspired volumes of the corresponding cycles were systematically recorded using a spirometer. The indices were calculated using the ratio excursion, or percentage of thickening, divided by the corresponding breathing volume. From this corhort, normal values and limit values for normality were determined. These measurements were compared to those performed on the healthy side in patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis because an increase in hemidiaphragm activity has been previously demonstated in such circumstances. Results: A total of 122 subjects (51 women, 71 men) with normal pulmonary function were included in the study. Statistical analysis revealed that the ratio of excursion, or percentage of thickening, to inspired volume ratio significantly differed between males and females. When the above-mentioned indices using excursion were normalized by body weight, no gender differences were found. The indices differed between normal respiratory function subjects and patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis (27 women, 41 men). On the paralyzed side, the average ratio of the excursion divided by the inspired volume was zero. On the healthy side, the indices using the excursion and the percentage of thickening during quiet breathing or deep inspiration were significantly increased comparedto patients with normal lung function. According to the logistic regression analysis, the most relevant indice appeared to be the ratio of the excursion measured during quiet breathing to the inspired volume. Conclusion: The normal values of the diaphragm motion-volume indices could be useful to estimate the performance of the respiratory system. Proposed indices appear suitable in a context of hyperactivity.

Diaphragm dysfunction after severe COVID-19: An ultrasound study.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection can impair diaphragm function at the acute phase but the frequency of diaphragm dysfunction after recovery from COVID-19 remains unknown. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on patients reporting persistent respiratory symptoms 3-4 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The included patients were selected from a medical consultation designed to screen for recovery after acute infection. Respiratory function was assessed by a pulmonary function test, and diaphragm function was studied by ultrasonography. Results: In total, 132 patients (85M, 47W) were recruited from the medical consultation. During the acute phase of the infection, the severity of the clinical status led to ICU admission for 58 patients (44%). Diaphragm dysfunction (DD) was detected by ultrasonography in 13 patients, two of whom suffered from hemidiaphragm paralysis. Patients with DD had more frequently muscle pain complaints and had a higher frequency of prior cardiothoracic or upper abdominal surgery than patients with normal diaphragm function. Pulmonary function testing revealed a significant decrease in lung volumes and DLCO and the dyspnea scores (mMRC and Borg10 scores) were significantly increased in patients with DD. Improvement in respiratory function was recorded in seven out of nine patients assessed 6 months after the first ultrasound examination. Conclusion: Assessment of diaphragm function by ultrasonography after severe COVID-19 pneumonia revealed signs of dysfunction in 10% of our population. In some cases, ultrasound examination probably discovered an un-recognized pre-existing DD. COVID-19 nonetheless contributed to impairment of diaphragm function. Prolonged respiratory physiotherapy led to improvement in respiratory function in most patients. Clinical trial registration: [www.cnil.fr], identifier [#PADS20-207].

Changes in Diaphragmatic Function Induced by an Increased Inspiratory Load Experienced by Military Divers: An Ultrasound Study.

Background: Inspiratory loading is experienced by military divers when they use rebreather device. Our objective was to assess the changes in diaphragm function induced by an increase in inspiratory load at values similar to those experienced by divers in real life. Methods: We recorded the excursion and the thickness of the right hemidiaphragm in 22 healthy male volunteers under inspiratory load conditions, using ultrasound in B- and M-mode. The measurements were performed at tidal volume and during breathing at 50% of inspiratory capacity. The breathing rate was regulated and similar in the various sessions with and without load. Results: The rebreather device used by French military divers leads to an increase in inspiratory load of close to 30 cmH2O. Consequently, the session under load was performed using a device set to this threshold. Significant increases in the excursion and the thickening fraction of the diaphragm were observed between the sessions at tidal volume and at high volume. With addition of the inspiratory load, the excursion of the right hemidiaphragm increased significantly from 2.3 to 3.4cm at tidal volume and from 3.9 to 4.7cm at high volume. The thickening fraction increased significantly from 30.4 to 76.6% at tidal volume and from 70 to 123% at high volume. The statistical analysis demonstrated that assessment of the changes of the thickening fraction during breathing at tidal volume was the most relevant marker to assess the impact of the inspiratory load on the diaphragm. Conclusion: Diaphragm ultrasound can be used to assess the changes in the diaphragm contraction pattern secondary to an increase in the respiratory load that can be generated by use a diving apparatus. The recording of the changes of the motion, and more importantly of the thickness of the diaphragm, during the breathing cycle is able to provide relevant information regarding the inspiratory load.

Ultrasound Assessment of Diaphragm Thickness and Thickening: Reference Values and Limits of Normality When in a Seated Position.

Background: Diagnosing diaphragm dysfunction in the absence of complete paralysis remains difficult. The aim of the present study was to assess the normal values of the thickness and the inspiratory thickening of both hemidiaphragms as measured by ultrasonography in healthy volunteers while in a seated position. Methods: Healthy volunteers with a normal pulmonary function test were recruited. The diaphragmatic thickness was measured on both sides at the zone of apposition of the diaphragm to the rib cage during quiet breathing at end-expiration, end-inspiration, and after maximal inspiration. The thickening ratio, the thickening fraction, and the thickness at end-inspiration divided by the thickness at deep breathing were determined. The mean values and the lower and upper limits of normal were determined for men and women. Results: 200 healthy volunteers (100 men and 100 women) were included in the study. The statistical analysis revealed that women had a thinner hemidiaphragm than men on both sides and at the various breathing times studied. The lower limit of normality of the diaphragm thickness measured at end-expiration was estimated to be 1.3 mm in men and 1.1 mm in women, on both sides. The thickening fraction did not differ significantly between men and women. In men, it ranged from 60 to 260% on the left side and from 57 to 200% on the right side. In women, it ranged from 58 to 264% on the left side and from 60 to 229% on the right side. The lower limits of normality of the thickening fraction were determined to be 40 and 39% in men and 39 and 48% in women for the right and left hemidiaphragms, respectively. The upper limit for normal of the mean of both sides of the ratio thickness at end-inspiration divided by the thickness at deep breathing was determined to be 0.78 in women and 0.79 in men. Conclusion: The normal values of thickness and the indexes of diaphragmatic function should help clinicians with detecting diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction.

Diaphragmatic motion recorded by M-mode ultrasonography: limits of normality.

Chest ultrasonography has proven to be useful in the diagnosis of diaphragm dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to determine the normal values of the motion of both hemidiaphragms recorded by M-mode ultrasonography. Healthy volunteers were studied while in a seated position. Diaphragmatic excursions and diaphragm profiles were measured during quiet breathing, voluntary sniffing and deep breathing. Diaphragmatic excursions were assessed by M-mode ultrasonography, using an approach perpendicular to the posterior part of the diaphragm. Anatomical M-mode was used for the recording of the complete excursion during deep breathing. The study included 270 men and 140 women. The diaphragmatic motions during quiet breathing and voluntary sniffing were successfully recorded in all of the participants. The use of anatomical M-mode was particularly suitable for measurement of the entire diaphragmatic excursion during deep breathing. The statistical analysis showed that the diaphragmatic excursions were larger in men compared to women, supporting the determination of normal values based on sex. The lower and upper limits of normal excursion were determined for men and women for both hemidiaphragms during the three manoeuvres that were investigated. The lower limits of normal diaphragmatic excursions during deep breathing should be used to detect diaphragmatic hypokinesia, i.e. 3.3 and 3.2 cm in women and 4.1 and 4.2 cm in men for the right and the left sides, respectively. The normal values of the diaphragmatic motion and the lower and upper limits of normal excursion can be used by clinicians to detect diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Hyperoxia During Exercise: Impact on Adenosine Plasma Levels and Hemodynamic Data.

INTRODUCTION: Adenosine is an ATP derivative that is strongly implicated in the cardiovascular adaptive response to exercise. In this study, we hypothesized that during exercise the hyperemia, commonly observed during exercise in air, was counteracted by the downregulation of the adenosinergic pathway during hyperoxic exposure. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers performed two randomized sessions including gas exposure (Medical air or Oxygen) at rest and during exercise performed at 40% of maximal intensity, according to the individual fitness of the volunteers. Investigations included the measurement of adenosine plasma level (APL) and the recording of hemodynamic data [i.e., cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistances (SVR) using pulsed Doppler and echocardiography]. RESULTS: Hyperoxia significantly decreased APL (from 0.58 ± 0.06 to 0.21 ± 0.05 µmol L-1, p < 0.001) heart rate and CO and increased SVR in healthy volunteers at rest. During exercise, an increase in APL was recorded in the two sessions when compared with measurements at rest (+0.4 ± 0.4 vs. +0.3 ± 0.2 µmol L-1 for medical air and oxygen exposures, respectively). APL was lower during the exercise performed under hyperoxia when compared with medical air exposure (0.5 ± 0.06 vs. 1.03 ± 0.2 µmol L-1, respectively p < 0.001). This result could contribute to the hemodynamic differences between the two conditions, such as the increase in SVR and the decrease in both heart rate and CO when exercises were performed during oxygen exposure as compared to medical air. CONCLUSION: Hyperoxia decreased APLs in healthy volunteers at rest but did not eliminate the increase in APL and the decrease in SVR during low intensity exercise.

High Bubble Grade After Diving: The Role of the Blood Pressure Regimen.

Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that the circulatory system was involved in the production of circulatory bubbles after diving. This study was designed to research the cardio-vascular function characteristics related to the production of high bubble grades after diving. Methods: Thirty trained divers were investigated both at baseline and after a 30-msw SCUBA dive. At baseline, the investigations included blood pressure measurement, echocardiography, and assessment of aerobic fitness using VO2 peak measurement. Blood samples were taken at rest, to measure the plasma concentration of NOx and endothelin-1. After diving, circulating bubbles were detected in the pulmonary artery by pulsed Doppler at 20-min intervals during the 90 min after surfacing. The global bubble quantity production was estimated by the KISS index. Results: Divers with a high bubble grade (KISS > 7.5) had systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, weight, and height significantly higher than divers with a low bubble grade. By contrast, total arterial compliance, plasma NOx level, and percentage of predicted value of peak oxygen uptake were significantly lower in divers with a high bubble grade. Cardiac dimensions, left ventricular function, and plasma endothelin-1 concentration were not significantly different between groups. The multivariate analysis identified blood pressure as the main contributor of the quantity of bubble production. The model including pulse pressure, plasma NOx level, and percentage of predicted value of peak oxygen uptake has an explanatory power of 49.22%. Conclusion: The viscoelastic properties of the arterial tree appeared to be an important contributor to the circulating bubble production after a dive.

Mental Workload Alters Heart Rate Variability, Lowering Non-linear Dynamics.

Mental workload is known to alter cardiovascular function leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, there is no clear autonomic nervous system unbalance to be quantified during mental stress. We aimed to characterize the mental workload impact on the cardiovascular function with a focus on heart rate variability (HRV) non-linear indexes. A 1-h computerized switching task (letter recognition) was performed by 24 subjects while monitoring their performance (accuracy, response time), electrocardiogram and blood pressure waveform (finger volume clamp method). The HRV was evaluated from the beat-to-beat RR intervals (RRI) in time-, frequency-, and informational- domains, before (Control) and during the task. The task induced a significant mental workload (visual analog scale of fatigue from 27 ± 26 to 50 ± 31 mm, p < 0.001, and NASA-TLX score of 56 ± 17). The heart rate, blood pressure and baroreflex function were unchanged, whereas most of the HRV parameters markedly decreased. The maximum decrease occurred during the first 15 min of the task (P1), before starting to return to the baseline values reached at the end of the task (P4). The RRI dimension correlation (D2) decrease was the most significant (P1 vs. Control: 1.42 ± 0.85 vs. 2.21 ± 0.8, p < 0.001) and only D2 lasted until the task ended (P4 vs. Control: 1.96 ± 0.9 vs. 2.21 ± 0.9, p < 0.05). D2 was identified as the most robust cardiovascular variable impacted by the mental workload as determined by posterior predictive simulations (p = 0.9). The Spearman correlation matrix highlighted that D2 could be a marker of the generated frustration (R = -0.61, p < 0.01) induced by a mental task, as well as the myocardial oxygen consumption changes assessed by the double product (R = -0.53, p < 0.05). In conclusion, we showed that mental workload sharply lowered the non-linear RRI dynamics, particularly the RRI correlation dimension.

A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Contributions of Body Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass to Body Mass Index Scores in Male Youth Rugby Players.

BACKGROUND: In some sports such as rugby, a large body size is an advantage, and the desire to gain weight can bring young players to become overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the contribution of body fat mass index (BFMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) to body mass index (BMI) changes among young male rugby players (15-a-side rugby). METHODS: The criteria of the International Obesity Task Force were used to define overweight and obesity from BMI. The method of skinfold thickness was used to assess percentage of body fat (%BF), BFMI, and FFMI. Excess body fat was defined by using BFMI and %BF above the 75th percentile. Data were grouped according to the age categories of the French Rugby Federation (U11, under 11 years; U13, under 13 years; U15, under 15 years) and to BMI status (NW normal-weight versus OW/OB overweight/obese). RESULTS: Overall, 32.8% of the young players were overweight, and 13.8% were obese. However, 53% of young players classified as obese and overweight by BMI had an excess body fat by using BFMI above the 75th percentile. FFMI increased significantly between U11 and U13 in both groups, without significant change in BMI and BFMI. Both groups had similar significant gains in BMI and FFMI between U13 and U15, while BFMI only increased significantly in OW/OB (+ 18.5%). The strong correlations between BMI and %BF were systematically lower than those between BMI and BFMI. FFMI was strongly or moderately associated with BFMI. CONCLUSIONS: Chart analysis of BFMI and FFMI could be used to distinguish changes in body composition across age categories in young male rugby players classified as normal-weight, overweight, and obese by BMI.

Hyperoxia Improves Hemodynamic Status During Head-up Tilt Testing in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Study.

Head-up tilt test is useful for exploring neurally mediated syncope. Adenosine is an ATP derivative implicated in cardiovascular disturbances that occur during head-up tilt test. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of hyperoxia on adenosine plasma level and on hemodynamic changes induced by head-up tilt testing.Seventeen healthy male volunteers (mean age 35 ±â€Š11 years) were included in the study. The experiment consisted of 2 head-up tilt tests, 1 session with subjects breathing, through a mask, medical air (FiO2 = 21%) and 1 session with administration of pure oxygen (FiO2 = 100%) in double-blind manner. Investigations included continuous monitoring of hemodynamic data and measurement of plasma adenosine levels.No presyncope or syncope was found in 15 of the 17 volunteers. In these subjects, a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure was recorded during orthostatic stress performed under medical air exposure. In contrast, hyperoxia led to increased systolic blood pressure during orthostatic stress when compared with medical air. Furthermore, mean adenosine plasma levels decreased during hyperoxic exposure before (0.31 ±â€Š0.08 µM) and during head-up tilt test (0.33 ±â€Š0.09 µM) when compared with baseline (0.6 ±â€Š0.1 µM). Adenosine plasma level was unchanged during medical air exposure at rest (0.6 ±â€Š0.1 µM), and slightly decreased during orthostatic stress. In 2 volunteers, the head-up tilt test induced a loss of consciousness when breathing air. In these subjects, adenosine plasma level increased during orthostatic stress. In contrast, during hyperoxic exposure, the head-up tilt test did not induce presyncope or syncope. In these 2 volunteers, biological study demonstrated a decrease in adenosine plasma level at both baseline and during orthostatic stress for hyperoxic exposure compared with medical air.These results suggest that hyperoxia was able to increase blood pressure during head-up tilt test via a decrease in plasma adenosine concentration. Our results also suggest that adenosine receptor antagonists are worth trying in neurocardiogenic syncope.

Interest of ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function in cardiac rehabilitation center: a case report.

Diaphragmatic paresis is a rare but recognized complication of atrial fibrillation ablation.A 59-year-old woman experiencing dyspnea in supine position and for minimal effort was admitted in a cardiac rehabilitation center. One month before, she was referred to a cardiac center to ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. After the procedure, the patient developed respiratory failure attributed to aspiration pneumonia and requiring mechanical ventilation.At admission in the rehabilitation center, M-mode ultrasonography reported an absence of movement of the right hemidiaphragm during quiet breathing and a paradoxical movement during voluntary sniffing.Chest ultrasonography can be useful to detect diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients suffering from dyspnea, at admission in a cardiac rehabilitation center. Its use should be envisaged more frequently.

Cardiorespiratory alterations induced by low-intensity exercise performed in water or on land.

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory alterations induced by a low-intensity exercise performed on land or in water. Sixteen healthy subjects were investigated. The exercise consisted of a 1-h period of ergocycling at 35%-40% of peak oxygen uptake. Investigations were performed at rest and 45 min after the beginning of the exercises. Hemodynamic changes were studied by Doppler-echocardiography. Gas exchanges were continuously monitored by an oxygen gas analyzer. Blood samples were taken successively at baseline, within the last minutes of the exercise bout, and during recovery to measure total protein concentration and natriuretic peptides. Cardiovascular parameters were not significantly different during exercise performed on land or in water. As a result of an accelerated breathing frequency, ventilation output was significantly greater in water. Biological changes included a decrease in total protein concentration and an increase in natriuretic peptides in water. During low-intensity exercise, ventilatory alterations favoured increasing the work of breathing while in the water when compared with the same exercise performed on land. Hemodynamic changes were similar in the 2 conditions. Furthermore, biological findings suggest that the fluid transfer from intravascular sector toward interstitial sector could be facilitated in water.

[Burnout syndrome: a "true" cardiovascular risk factor]. / Syndrome de burnout : un « vrai ¼ facteur de risque cardiovasculaire.

The burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment in individuals professionally involved with others. The burnout syndrome is poorly recognized, particularly in France, as a distinct nosology from adaptation troubles, stress, depression, or anxiety. Several tools quantifying burnout and emotional exhaustion exist, the most spread is the questionnaire called Maslach Burnout Inventory. The burnout syndrome alters cardiovascular function and its neuroregulation by autonomic nervous system and is associated with: increased sympathetic tone to heart and vessels after mental stress, lowered physiological post-stress vagal rebound to heart, and lowered arterial baroreflex sensitivity. Job strain as burnout syndrome seems to be a real independent cardiovascular risk factor. Oppositely, training to manage emotions could increase vagal tone to heart and should be cardio-protective.

Hypobaric impact on clinical tolerance and 24-h patterns in iron metabolism markers and plasma proteins in men.

Long-distance flights can cause a number of clinical problems due to mild hypoxia resulting from cabin pressurization. Using a chronobiological approach, the aim of this work was to assess the clinical tolerance and biological impact of daytime exposure to hypobaric hypoxia on markers of iron metabolism and plasma proteins. Fourteen healthy, male volunteers, ages 23 to 39 yrs, spent 8.5 h in a hypobaric chamber (from 07:45 to 16:15 h) simulating an altitude of 8000 ft. This was followed by another 8.5-h session 4 wks later simulating conditions at an altitude of 12,000 ft. Biological variables were assayed every 2 h over two 24-h spans (control and hypoxia spans, respectively) per simulated altitude. Whereas most of the subjects tolerated the 8000 ft exposure well, eight subjects (57%) presented clear clinical signs of hypoxic intolerance at 12,000 ft. The 24-h blood iron profile showed a biphasic pattern at both altitude simulations, with a significant (∼40%) increase during hypoxia, followed by a (∼25%) decrease during the first hours of recovery. The iron circadian rhythm showed a significant phase delay during the hypoxic exposure at 8000 ft vs. reference. Mean 24-h ferritin levels decreased at both altitudes, but mainly during the nighttime after the 12,000 ft exposure in accordance with Cosinor analysis. The transferrin and total plasma proteins 24-h profiles did not show significant change. Moreover, significant differences, mainly in iron, ferritin, and transferrin, were found at 12,000 ft according to the clinical tolerance to hypoxia, and significant correlations were found between the mid-range crossing times, i.e., here half-descent times (d-T(50)), for ferritin and total plasma proteins and the reported level of clinical discomfort under hypoxia. This study shows that an 8.5-h exposure to mild hypoxia is able to alter very quickly the 24-h pattern of iron and ferritin. These alterations seem to depend, at least in part, on the clinical tolerance to hypoxia and may help explain the interindividual differences observed in the tolerance to hypoxia.

Time course of neurobehavioral alertness during extended wakefulness in morning- and evening-type healthy sleepers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of chronotype (morning-type versus evening-type) living in a fixed sleep-wake schedule different from one's preferred sleep schedules on the time course of neurobehavioral performance during controlled extended wakefulness. The authors studied 9 morning-type and 9 evening-type healthy male subjects (21.4 ± 1.9 yrs). Before the experiment, all participants underwent a fixed sleep-wake schedule mimicking a regular working day (bedtime: 23:30 h; wake time: 07:30 h). Then, following two nights in the laboratory, both chronotypes underwent a 36-h constant routine, performing a cognitive test of sustained attention every hour. Core body temperature, salivary melatonin secretion, objective alertness (maintenance of wakefulness test), and subjective sleepiness (visual analog scale) were also assessed. Evening-types expressed a higher level of subjective sleepiness than morning types, whereas their objective levels of alertness were not different. Cognitive performance in the lapse domain remained stable during the normal waking day and then declined during the biological night, with a similar time course for both chronotypes. Evening types maintained optimal alertness (i.e., 10% fastest reaction time) throughout the night, whereas morning types did not. For both chronotypes, the circadian performance profile was correlated with the circadian subjective somnolence profile and was slightly phase-delayed with melatonin secretion. Circadian performance was less correlated with circadian core body temperature. Lapse domain was phase-delayed with body temperature (2-4 h), whereas optimal alertness was slightly phase-delayed with body temperature (1 h). These results indicate evening types living in a fixed sleep-wake schedule mimicking a regular working day (different from their preferred sleep schedules) express higher subjective sleepiness but can maintain the same level of objective alertness during a normal waking day as morning types. Furthermore, evening types were found to maintain optimal alertness throughout their nighttime, whereas morning types could not. The authors suggest that evening-type subjects have a higher voluntary engagement of wake-maintenance mechanisms during extended wakefulness due to adaptation of their sleep-wake schedule to social constraints.

Sleepiness, near-misses and driving accidents among a representative population of French drivers.

Study objectives were to determine the prevalence of sleepy driving accidents and to explore the factors associated with near-miss driving accidents and actual driving accidents in France. An epidemiological survey based on telephone interviews was conducted on a representative sample of French drivers. The questionnaire included sociodemographics, driving and sleep disorder items, and the Epworth sleepiness scale. Of 4774 drivers (response rate: 86%), 28% experienced at least one episode of severe sleepiness at the wheel (i.e. requiring to stop driving) in the previous year; 11% of drivers reported at least one near-miss accident in the previous year (46% sleep-related); 5.8% of drivers reported at least one accident, 5.2% of these being sleep related (an estimate of 90,000 sleep-related accidents per year in France). Sleepy driving accidents occurred more often in the city (53.8%), during short trips (84.6%) and during the day (84.6%). Using logistic regression, the best predictive factor for near-misses was the occurrence of at least one episode of severe sleepiness at the wheel in the past year [odds ratio (OR) 6.50, 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.20-8.12, P < 0.001]. The best predictive factors for accidents were being young (18-30 years; OR 2.13, 95% CI, 1.51-3.00, P < 0.001) and experiencing at least one episode of severe sleepiness at the wheel (OR 2.03, 95% CI, 1.57-2.64, P < 0.001). Sleepiness at the wheel is a risk factor as important as age for traffic accidents. Near-misses are highly correlated to sleepiness at the wheel and should be considered as strong warning signals for future accidents.

Might the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire applied to bed partners be used to screen sleep apneic patients?

OBJECTIVE: While the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire (BSQ) was developed to identify patients at high risk of having sleep apnea, assessment can be difficult in patients suffering from impaired cognitive functions (i.e., stroke patients). We therefore created a modified version of the questionnaire to be used in patients' bed partners to test whether it could give identical results to the original form of BSQ. METHODS: The BSQ was filled in by 90 patients hospitalized in our Sleep Clinic for polysomnographic recording and by 33 healthy control subjects recorded polysomnographically. An adapted version of the BSQ was completed by each bed partner. RESULTS: Sixty of the 123 subjects had a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI)>5 and 49.6% of them were classified as being at high risk of having sleep apnea with both questionnaires. Being in the high-risk group with the self-reported Berlin questionnaire predicted an RDI>15 with a sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.61 versus a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.63 with the bed-partner Berlin questionnaire. Being in the high-risk group with the self-reported Berlin questionnaire predicted an RDI>30 with a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.53 versus a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.54 with the bed-partner Berlin questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The bed-partner Berlin questionnaire predicts an RDI>15 with a better sensitivity and specificity than the original questionnaire. It could, therefore, be used in bed partners of patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who cannot fill in the self-reported Berlin questionnaire.

Confinement and sleep deprivation effects on propensity to take risks.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of confinement and sleep deprivation on risk-taking propensity is a key issue in crew management. We investigated both confinement and gender effects on risk propensity and performance during up to 36 h of extended wakefulness. METHOD: We studied 4 groups of 3 men and 3 women [N = 24, mean age (+/- SD) = 32.9 +/- 5.8 yr] for 10 consecutive days: a 7-d confined period (CONF) or a 7-d baseline (BASE) condition preceding one control night of normal sleep, one night of sleep deprivation, and one recovery night in the laboratory. Risk propensity (EVAR scale) and simple reaction time task (SRTT) performances were monitored every 2.25 h (0930-1945) during CONF and every 2.11 h (0930-0745) during the sleep deprivation condition. RESULTS: Overall risk propensity during extended wakefulness showed a variation in both conditions with two diurnal peaks separated by a nocturnal minima. After the confinement period, no second peak was found. Number of lapses (reaction time > 500 ms) on the SRTT varied daily in both conditions. In the normal sleep schedule, subjects increased their level of impulsiveness between the first day and the end of confinement (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: During the night of sleep deprivation, risk-taking propensity decreases and remains stable the following day in the confinement condition while it increases after the baseline period. In a confined environment under a normal sleep-wake schedule, impulsiveness increases in men and women.