• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.52 no.5
• /
• pp.529-538
• /
• 2002

Background : Many clinicians are reluctant to prescribe systemic corticosteroids to manage an asthmatic attack because of many complications such as osteoporosis, cushing's syndrome, diabetes, hypertension and bleeding tendency. The use of nebulized budesonide may be of value in some infants, old men, and in particular adult asthmatic patients who complain of severe dyspnea. A clinical validation and steroid-sparing effect of nebulized budesonide in asthmatic adults and COPD were evaluated, and the short-term effects of budesonide use on the HPA axis were assessed. Materials and Methods : Study A was prospectively done with 41 patients diagnosed with pure asthma and 30 patients diagnosed with COPD (including asthmatic component) in Soonchunhyang Hospital, Chunan from June. 2000 to Sep. 2001. They were treated with nebulized budesonide including systemic steroids (Group 1), a budesonide tubuhaler including a systemic steroid (Group 2), or only the systemic steroid(Group 3). The peak flow rate, arterial blood gas in room air, pulmonary function test, symptom scoring, steroid amount and hospital stay were analyzed. Study B was conducted with 19 patients to evaluate the short-term effects on the HPA axis of treatment with nebulized budesonide 1mg twice daily and a budesonide turbuhaler 5 puffs twice daily. The adrenal function was assessed prior to budesonide inhalation and after 7 days of budesonide inhalation. Results : In the pure asthmatic patients, the mean value of the symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, cough, night asthma) or the arterial BGAs, total amounts of steroid or hospital stay and the difference in the results of the pulmonary function tests or peak expiratory flow rate were similar in the three groups. In COPD with an asthmatic component, there were no significant differences among the three groups. Although nebulized budesonide suppressed HPA function,(p=0.006) the HPA responses from the nebulized budesonide and turbuhaler budesonide were similar (p=0.288) Conclusion : This result suggests that systemic steroid should only be made available for acute asthmatic patients irrespective of the inhaled budesonides. Nebulized budesonide at the therapeutic dose has similar effects on the HPA axis compared to that of turbuhaler budesonide.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.29
• /
• pp.14.1-14.8
• /
• 2014

Objectives Some plants were placed in indoor locations frequented by asthmatics in order to evaluate the quality of indoor air and examine the health benefits to asthmatics. Methods The present study classified the participants into two groups: households of continuation and households of withdrawal by a quasi-experimental design. The households of continuation spent the two observation terms with indoor plants, whereas the households of withdrawal passed the former observation terms with indoor plants and went through the latter observation term without any indoor plants. Results The household of continuation showed a continual decrease in the indoor concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the entire observation period, but the household of withdrawal performed an increase in the indoor concentrations of VOCs, except formaldehyde and toluene during the latter observation term after the decrease during the former observation term. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) increased in the households of continuation with the value of 13.9 L/min in the morning and 20.6 L/min in the evening, but decreased in the households of withdrawal with the value of -24.7 L/min in the morning and -30.2 L/min in the evening in the first experimental season. All of the households exhibited a decrease in the value of PEFR in the second experimental season. Conclusions Limitations to the generalizability of findings regarding the presence of plants indoors can be seen as a more general expression of such a benefit of human-environment relations.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.58 no.5
• /
• pp.507-514
• /
• 2005

Background : Measurement of the $FEV_1$ and PEFR in COPD patients is a significant indicator of the disease severity, the response to treatment and the acute exacerbation. However, it is not known if PEFR can be used to determine the severity of COPD because the agreement between PEFR and $FEV_1$ in COPD patients is not well known. Methods : From September, 2003 to August, 2004, 125 out patients with COPD who were treated at the pulmonary clinic in KonKuk University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The $FEV_1$ and PEFR of each patient were measured and all the data was analyzed using SPSS. Results : The average predicted $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % was $56.98{\pm}18.21%$ and $70{\pm}27.60%$, respectively. There was linear correlation between the predicted $FEV_1$ % and predicted PEFR %. There was no correlation between age of the COPD patients and the predicted PEFR %. There was correlation between dyspnea, which is a subjective symptom of the patients, and the predicted PEFR %. Conclusion : In COPD patients, the classification of the severity by PEFR tends to underestimate the state of the disease compared with the classification of the severity by the $FEV_1$. Therefore, the classification of the severity by PEFR should be interpreted carefully in patients with severe symptoms. Once the classification of the severity has made, the follow-up examination may use the PEFR instead of the $FEV_1$.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.588-595
• /
• 2002

Purpose : The incidence of obesity has increased in Korea recently. Obesity leads to higher risks of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. It also leads to risks of respiratory complications. This study was performed to see the effects of obesity on children's pulmonary functions and on developed bronchospasm after exercise loading according to their obesity degrees. Methods : 257 obese children and 150 non-obese children were enrolled. Obese children were divided into 3 groups by the obesity degrees. Pre- and post-exercise loading $FEV_1$(forced expiratory volume at one second), FVC(forced vital capacity) and PEFR(peak expiratory flow rate) were checked in all subjects. The percent predicted values of each parameter was compared according to obesity degrees and the differences between pre-exercise and post-exercise values. Results : The percent predicted value of $FEV_1$, FVC decreased only in the severe obesity group compared with those in the control group. However percent predicted PEFR declined according to obesity degrees. The percent predicted value of $FEV_1$, FVC and PEFR after exercise loading were much lower than those before exercise loading in all groups. Conclusion : As the degree of obesity was higher, the percent predicted value of pulmonary function was lower. And after exercise loading, as the degree of obesity was higher, the reduction of percent predicted value of pulmonary function was larger. Therefore the pulmonary function in obese children must be observed carefully. Further studies on the effects of pulmonary functions in obese children are necessary.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.570-578
• /
• 2001

Background: With cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), weight loss and low body weight have been found to correlate with increased mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, nutritional aspects are an important part of the treatment in cases of COPD. In Korea, there is only limited data available for the changes of resting pulmonary function in relation to nutritional status. This study was carried out to investigate the differences of resting pulmonary function in relation to the nutritional status of patients with COPD. Method : 83 stable patients, with moderate to severe COPD, were clinically assessed for their nutritional status and resting pulmonary function. The patients' nutritional status was evaluated by body weight and fat-free mass (FFM), which was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. According to their nutritional status, the 83 patients were divided into two groups, designated as the depleted, and non-depleted, groups. Result : Of the 83 patients, 31% were characterized by body weight loss and depletion of FFM, whereas 28% had either weight loss or depleted FFM. In the depleted group, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate(p<0.05) and Kco(p<0.01), but significantly higher airway resistance(Raw, p<0.05) were noted. There was no difference for the non-depleted group in forced expiratory volume at one second, residual volume, inspiratory vital capacity, or total lung capacity. Maximal inspiratory pressure($P_{Imax}$) was also significantly lower in the depleted group(p<0.05). Conclusion : We conclude, from our clinical studies, that nutritional depletion is significantly associated with the change in resting pulmonary function for patients with moderate to severe COPD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.55 no.6
• /
• pp.570-578
• /
• 2003

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually sized less than $10{\mu}m$, known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general populations. But, there has been no considerable evidence linking these particles to the adverse effects on airways. The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of Asian dust events on respiratory function and symptoms in subjects with bronchial asthma. Patients and Methods : From march to June 2002, Asthmatic patients who were diagnosed with bronchial challenge test or bronchodilator response were enrolled. We divided them into three groups; mild, moderate, and severe, according to the severity. Subjects with other organ insufficiency such as heart, kidney, liver, and malignancy were excluded. All patients completed twice daily diaries and recorded peak flow rate, respiratory symptom, and daily activity. Daily and hourly mean pollutant levels of particulate matter < $10{\mu}m$ in diameter($PM_{10}$), nitrogen dioxide($NO_2$), sulphur dioxide($SO_2$), ozone($O_3$) and carbon monoxide(CO) were measured at the 10 different monitoring sites. Results : Dust events occured 14 times during the study period. Daily averages of 4 air pollutant were measured with an increased level of $PM_{10}$, decreased level of $NO_2$ and $SO_2$, and no change in CO during dust days compared to those during control days. An increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration was associated with an increase of subjects with PEF variability of >20% (p<0.05), night time symptom(p<0.05), and a decrease in mean PEF (p<0.05), which were calculated by the longitudinal data analysis. Otherwise, there was no association between $PM_{10}$ level and bronchodialtor inhaler, and daytime respiratory symptoms. Conclusion : This study shows evidence that ambient air pollution, especially $PM_{10}$, during Asian dust events, could be one of the many aggravating factors at least in patients with airway diseases. This data can be used as a primary source to set up a new policy on air environmental control and to evaluate the safety of air pollution index. We also expect that this research will help identify precise components of dust, which are more linked to the adverse effects.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.662-673
• /
• 1999

Background : Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) is frequently used recently as the initial mode of mechanical ventilation in the patients with respiratory failure. Theoretically, because of its high initial inspiratory flow, pressure-controlled ventilation has lower peak inspiratory pressure and improved gas exchange than volume-controlled ventilation (VCV). But the data from previous studies showed controversial results about the gas exchange. Moreover, the comparison study between PCV and VCV with various inspiration : expiration time ratios (I : E ratios) is rare. So this study was performed to compare the respiratory mechanics and gas exchange between PCV and VCV with various I : E raitos. Methods : Nine patients receiving mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure were enrolled. They were ventilated by both PCV and VCV with various I : E ratios (1 : 2, 1 : 1.3 and 1.7 : 1). $FiO_2$, tidal volume, respiratory rate and external positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were kept constant throughout the study. After 20 minutes of each ventilation mode, arterial blood gas, airway pressures, expired $CO_2$ were measured. Results : In both PCV and VCV, as the I : E ratio increased, the mean airway pressure was increased, and $PaCO_2$ and physiologic dead space fraction were decreased. But P(A-a)$O_2$ was not changed. In all three different I : E ratios, peak inspiratory pressure was lower during PCV, and mean airway pressure was higher during PCV. But $PaCO_2$ level, physiologic dead space fraction and P(A-a)$O_2$ were not different between PCV and VCV with three different I : E ratios. Conclusion : There was no difference in gas exchange between PCV and VCV under the same tidal volume, frequency and I : E ratio.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.609-617
• /
• 1999

Background: The aims of this study were to assess the etiologies, survival and prognostic factors of patients with chronic cor pulmonale visited Pusan National University Hospital. Methods : This study included 103 patients with chronic cor pulmonale. There were 67 men and 36 women. The diagnosis of chronic cor pulmonale was primarily based on the presence of underlying lung disorder and echocardiographic finding of enlarged or hypertrophied right ventricle. Other clinical data including patients' symptoms and signs, findings of arterial blood gas analysis, hematologic and biochemical laboratory and pulmonary function test were assessed. Results: The most common underlying lung disorder was pulmonary tuberculosis(59.2%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the next(28.2%). The survival rate was 57% in one year, 45% in two years, and 34% in three years. The prognostic factors were maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV), forced vital capaoity(FVC), $FEV_1$ serum Na, vital capacity(VC), serum albumin and peak expiratory flow(PEF) in univariate analysis. And in multivariate analysis, serum albumin(p=0.0144) and VC(p=0.0078) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most important underlying lung disorder in chronic cor pulmonale. The survival rate was 57% in one year, 45% in two years, and 34% in three years. Serum albumin (p=0.0144) and VC(p=0.0078) were statistically significant prognostic factors.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.629-641
• /
• 1999

Background: Corticosteroid is most potent and effective anti-inflammatory medication currently available and inhaled form has been used in the long-tenn control of asthma. Fluticasone propionate(Flixotide/Flovent: FP) is highly potent and topically active inhaled corticosteroid and has at least twice the potency of beclomethasone dipropionate(BDP) in the control of asthma. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of FP and BDP in several aspects. Method: Fifty patients with asthma were treated in a randomized, parallel group study of 4 weeks duration. During 2-week run-in period $\beta_2$-agonist was administered. After run-in period, FP $500{\mu}g/day$ was administered via Diskhaler or BDP $800{\mu}g/day$ via reservoir dry-power device. During the run-in and treatment period, morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) were measured daily. Daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms, daytime and night-time rescue bronchodilator use were checked daily. $FEV_{1.0}$ and FVC were measured biweekly in both groups. Results: Three patients treated with FP and seven patient treated with BDP were dropped out. Therefore forty patients completed the study. Morning and evening PEFR was increased and diurnal variation of PEFR decreased significantly in both groups. $FEV_{1.0}$ increased significantly in FP treatment group but not in BDP group. There were also improvements in daytime and night-time asthma symptoms, daytime and night-time rescue bronchodilator use in both groups after treatment There were no significant difference between groups in any of the efficacy parameters. Therapeutic effects were demonstrated earlier in patient treated with FP than BDP. Conclusion: In this study, $500{\mu}g/day$ fluticasone propionate was as effective as $800{\mu}g/day$ beclomethasone dipropionate in the control of asthma. Therapeutic effects were demonstrated earlier in patient treated with FP than BDP without adverse effect.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.290-297
• /
• 1997

Background : Despite remarkable progress of understanding the pathophysiology and therapy of bronchial asthma, asthma morbidity and mortality are on the rise. Also hospitalization and attending rates of emergency department for asthma have been increasing gradually. We analyzed clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients who visited emergency room due to asthma attack in order to define clinical characteristics of these group of patients. Method : We reviewed 105 adult asthmatic patients who attended emergency department of Korea University Hospital between August 1995 and July 1996, retrospectively. Results : 103 patients(56 female, 47 males, mean age : 48.6 years) attended-68 self referral, 18 practitioner referral and 17 OPD transfer- and 86 patients(83.5%) were admitted. Attending emergncy department was clearly more frequent in December(13.6%) and May(12.6%). Time lag between onset of asthmatic attack and arrival at the hospital was $14.2{\pm}15.5$ hour and initial peak expiratory flow rate was $166.7{\pm}68.3L/min$.(43.3% predicted) The commonest cause for visiting emergency room was aggravation of asthma due to upper respiratory tract infection in mild asthmatics. About half of them had history of previous ER visits. Their prognosis was not bad, but after discharge, about half of patients escaped from OPD follow-up. Conclusion : As a group they merit detailed attention and follow up arrangement. Clinician need to monitor and review the treatment plans, the medications, the patient's management technique, and the level of asthma control. For this group, plans for longer term treatment, including asthma education program and adjustment of overall treatment plan should be made.