Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction/diagnosis , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Behcet Syndrome/complications , Respiratory Function Tests , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The feasibility and reliability of the combination of several noninvasive methods using a multivariate method of analysis to predict pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is evaluated in 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These methods comprised arterial blood gases (Pao2, Paco2), pulmonary functional parameters (FEV1), echo-Doppler parameters (tricuspid regurgitation jets, acceleration time on pulmonary valve), computed tomography measurements (transhilar distance, hilar thoracic index, and measurement of the descending branch of the right pulmonary artery to the lower lobe). A multiple stepwise regression analysis (including one Doppler parameter, two parameters of arterial blood gases, and one functional parameter) revealed a coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.954 for mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) with a standard error of estimate (S.E.E.) of 5.25 mmHg. A stepwise regression analysis including computed tomography and radiographic parameters revealed an R2 equal to 0.970 for PAP with a S.E.E. of 4.26 mmHg. Logistical regression analysis classified correctly 80% of patients with PAH using noninvasive methods such as the diameter of the main pulmonary artery and the diameter of the left pulmonary arterial branch calculated by computed tomography. Not only the presence of PAH but also the level of MPAP can be estimated by the combination of multiple stepwise and logistical regression analyses.
Subject(s)
Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/diagnosis , Aged , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Pulmonary Wedge Pressure/physiologyABSTRACT
The bioavailability of a new sustained-release anhydrous theophylline product (Theophylline Lavipharm) was evaluated and compared with the bioavailability of a well-established product, Theodur. Two groups of 12 healthy non-smokers were given single doses of 200 or 300 mg of each product and two groups of 12 patients with asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease were given doses of 200 or 300 mg of each product every 12 h for 5-day periods. The values of the area under the plasma theophylline concentration against time curve (AUC), the maximum plasma theophylline concentration (Cmax) and the time taken to reach Cmax (Tmax) for the two products did not differ significantly in the healthy groups or in the patients. The minimum and the average plasma theophylline concentrations and the fluctuation index were also calculated for the patients and there were no significant differences between the values for the two products. The new anhydrous theophylline product, Theophylline Lavipharm, appears to show very similar bioavailability to Theodur. No adverse reactions to the new product were reported.