Respiratory function in pregnant women.

Respiratory disorders during pregnancy are connected with its physiology. About half of pregnant women suffer from dyspnea on exertion and some 20 % also from dyspnea at rest. Symptoms may intensify in obese patients. Smoking and respiratory disorders influence the well-being of the fetus. This study evaluates respiratory function in pregnant women as assessed by spirometry. The tests were carried out in 54 pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. We found reduced values of vital capacity and expiratory reserve volume in all women, which suggests the existence a restrictive respiratory disorder in physiological pregnancy. Smoking seems to cause obstructive disorders; in smoking patients there was a reduction of the Tiffenau ratio. Participation in birth classes had a positive influence on inspiratory capacity. High BMI before pregnancy, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, or age of becoming pregnant did not appreciably influence spirometry results.

Results of rubber band ligation of esophageal varices.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the paper is to analyze the results of endoscopic rubber band ligation of esophageal varices performed between 1 January 1998 and 1 November 2000 at the Department of GI Surgery of 4th Military University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases of 50 patients with massive upper GI variceal bleeding present on admission or with the history of such a bleeding were reviewed. A total of 85 endoscopic procedures of rubber band ligation were performed. In 9 (18%) cases ligation was performed due to massive variceal bleeding, in 1 case the complementary obliteration of stomach fundus varices with Aethoxysclerol was performed. In 10 (20%) cases in grade C of Child-Pough scale of liver failure, 3 endoscopic procedures were performed, in 15 (30%) in grade B--2 procedures, in the remaining 25 (50%) cases, also in grade B--1 procedure was performed. Procedures were conducted with Wilson-Cook Multi-Band Ligator SAEED SixShooter. RESULTS: In all cases with non-bleeding esophageal varices the overall good result of treatment was achieved, with collapsing of variceal columns. In 8 (88.8%) of 9 cases treated due to variceal bleeding, good hemostasis was achieved and no reintervention was necessary. In 1 case of massive variceal bleeding endoscopic treatment failed and patient eventually died. In 25 (50%) cases the complementary (1 or 2) rubber band ligations were performed. Follow-up period has ranged from 1 to 34 months. No cases of severe complications after the procedure were noted. In early period after the procedure 43 (86%) patients complained of transient, mild retrosternal pain and mild to moderate dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic rubber band ligation is a safe and effective treatment for esophageal varices both in cases of variceal bleeding and as elective procedure.

[Preliminary assessment of occupational exposure to Glutaraldehyde in selected endoscopic workplaces]. / Wstepna ocena narazenia zawodowego na aldehyd glutarowy w wybranych pracowniach endoskopowych.

The effect of occupational exposure to glutaric aldehyde in 17 endoscopic laboratories of the Wroclaw region was assessed. The level of glutaraldehyde concentration was measured, and the survey was carried out in a group of 34 laboratory employees. In 11 laboratories MAC and STEL values were exceeded. Undesirable effects following the contact with glutaric aldehyde were noted in 28 subjects (82%). The skin, mucous membrane and respiratory system irritations predominated among the symptoms observed. The data show that glutaric aldehyde may induce irritation or exert an allergic effects in medical personnel.

[Problems of environmental exposure to toxic effects of glutaraldehyde in medicine]. / Problemy zawodowego narazenia na toksyczne dzialanie aldehydu glutarowego w medycynie.

Glutaraldehyde is an antibacterial and antiviral agent commonly used for cleaning and disinfection of endoscopic equipment. The accepted glutaraldehyde air-concentration is 0.2 ppm. The irritant action, allergic potential and possible neurotoxicity of glutaral have been reported. Red eyes, cough, headache and running nose are most frequent symptoms of glutaral activity. The incidence of bronchial asthma and contact dermatitis has also been reported. In order to avoid occupational hazards of glutaraldehyde closed washing-disinfection systems, proper ventilation (20 cycles per hour), vapour recovery safety nozzle and neutralizing agent should be used.

[Recurrent lithiasis of the efferent bile ducts in patients with a diverticulum in Vater's papilla]. / Recidivující litiáza vývodných zlucových cest u nemocnych s divertiklem Vaterské papily.

The problem of residual choledocholithiasis is a subject discussed for decades by surgeons and gastroenterologists. In particular at present when patients with cholecystolithiasis are operated mainly by the laparoscopic route, this questions is again a frequently discussed topic. The submitted paper evaluates the incidence of choledocholithiasis in a group of 403 patients. From the investigation ensues among others that the presence of diverticula in the area of the ampulla of Vater is associated with a higher incidence of choledocholithiasis.

A compound carbon thermometer for the temperature range 0.3-100 K.

A compound carbon thermometer consisting of an abreast connection of a carbon Speer resistor and a carbon Allen-Bradley resistor was tested in the temperature interval 0.3-100 K, an interval which generally requires two independent resistors to be covered. The characteristics, sensitivity, and analytical handling of the resistance versus temperature data are discussed and compared with the corresponding behavior of other thermometers. The satisfactory performance of the compound carbon device contributes to the extension of wide-range thermometry to 0.3 K.