Static lung volumes: reference values from a Latin population of Spanish descent.

Background And Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a set of prediction equations and 90% confidence intervals for static lung volumes using the multibreath helium equilibration method from a sample of asymptomatic Caucasian subjects of Spanish descent. Moreover, these equations were compared with those of previous studies.

Methods: Measurements of static lung volumes using techniques recommended by the American Thoracic Society and the European Community for Steel and Coal were carried out on a selected sample of 591 healthy nonsmoking volunteers (305 men and 286 women) aged 18-88 years, living in the metropolitan area of Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.

[Long-term effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on ventilatory patterns of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

We studied 20 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) prospectively, before and after administering continuous positive airway pressure through a nasal mask (CPAPn) at night for 10 months, with the aim of determining the effects of ventilatory pattern of long-term treatment with CPAPn in OSAS patients. The following data were collected for all patients: anthropometric variables, lung function test results, arterial gasometric readings at rest, oxygen alveolar-arterial differential [Dif(A-a)O2)], central respiratory function variables at rest and during hypercapnic stimulus. Mean duration (range) of treatment with CPAPn was 12.

Ventilatory pattern at rest and response to hypercapnic stimulation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

We studied the ventilatory pattern and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) at rest and the response to awake hypercapnic stimulation in 27 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The respiratory pattern was characterized by both increased P0.