[Reliability of the transcutaneous PO2 measurement in the adult by the TCM 1 radiometer electrode].

The accuracy of transcutaneous PO2 measurements (PtcO2; Radiometer TCM 1) was evaluated by comparison with arterial PO2 (PaO2) on 115 recordings in 35 patients: 20 during exercise testing (group I) and 14 during assisted ventilation at different FIO2 values (group II). The correlation coefficient between PaO2 and PtcO2 was satisfactory (r = 0.977; n = 115).

[Contribution of nocturnal polygraphy to the diagnosis of Pickwickian syndrome. 10 cases].

The authors studied a series of 10 obese patients with respiratory failure referred for treatment because of sleep disorders and diurnal, sometimes uncontrollable, episodes of somnolence. 8 parameters were recorded in the polygraphic study performed during a night of hospitalization: electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, electro-oculogram, chin electromyogram, thoracic movements, and nasal and buccal air flows. SaO2 and transcutaneous PO2 were recorded simultaneously.

[Respiratory pathology of isocyanates].

Isocyanates are chemical compounds used in making polyurethane (for flexible or rigid foam, paint, varnish, glue and textiles). In strong concentrations isocyanates are powerful irritants producing chemical bronchopulmonary lesions. In weak doses they are responsible for occupational asthma and more rarely allergic alveolitis.

[Clinical aspects of 27 cases of severe primary infectious lung diseases].

The authors report 27 cases of severe primary pulmonary infections which resulted in acute respiratory failure and which were treated in a Respiratory Medicine Intensive Care Unit. A bacteriological specimen (blood culture, transtracheal aspiration, fibroscopy, pleural tap) and/or a serological examination permitted the responsible agent to be identified in 20 of the 27 cases (74%). Apart from antibiotics and symptomatic treatments, 13 patients also received oxygen therapy and 14 other patients were intubated and ventilated.

[Asbestos exposure and pleural calcification : functional effects in 34 patients].

Respiratory function disturbances were evaluated in 34 patients, mostly retired naval shipyard workers, with asbestos-related pleural calcifications. All patients had spirography tests, while 20 of them were studied by CO transfer in steady-state and measurements of arterial gases. Results were correlated with previous clinical history (chronic bronchopathy and/or pleural effusions), smoking habits, and the duration of exposure to asbestos dust.