Airway dynamics in COPD patients by within-breath impedance tracking: effects of continuous positive airway pressure.

Tracking of the within-breath changes of respiratory mechanics using the forced oscillation technique may provide outcomes that characterise the dynamic behaviour of the airways during normal breathing.We measured respiratory resistance () and reactance () at 8 Hz in 55 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and 20 healthy controls, and evaluated and as functions of gas flow (') and volume () during normal breathing cycles. In 12 COPD patients, additional measurements were made at continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) levels of 4, 8, 14 and 20 hPa.

Exhaled breath condensate pH decreases during exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Background And Objective: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is the temporary narrowing of the airways caused by physical exercise. Its exact pathophysiology is unclear; however, acute changes in airways pH may play a role. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH was suggested as a surrogate indicator for airway acid-base status, but its value is also affected by volatile molecules and respiratory droplet dilution.

[Non-invasive respiratory unit in the Hungarian health care system].

Treating patients with acute or chronic respiratory insufficiency still poses a major load on the healthcare system. Though there is evidence that treating these patients in high dependency respiratory units results in a shortening of hospital stay, reduces the need of intubation, and decreases mortality. In the Hungarian routine these patients are treated in general wards until the development of global respiratory insufficiency, when they are transferred to intensive care units.

[The prevalence of melanocytic naevi among teenagers].

Unlabelled: Malignant melanoma is an increasing public health problem worldwide; accordingly, identification of the constitutional and environmental factors which contribute to the development of the disease, and hence identification of the individuals at high risk of melanoma, are indispensable steps in all primary prevention efforts.

Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of different pigmented lesions among schoolchildren, and to investigate their relationship with phenotypic pigmentary characteristics, sun exposure and other factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in two secondary schools in Szeged, Hungary.