Spirometry with bronchodilator test: effect that the use of large-volume spacers with antistatic treatment has on test response.

Objective: To evaluate whether the use of inhaled albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler with a large-volume spacer with antistatic treatment modifies the bronchodilator test results when compared with the usual technique (no spacer).

Methods: A prospective study involving 24 patients, 18-45 years of age, clinically suspected of having asthma, and under treatment at the Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All of the patients underwent two bronchodilator tests: one with and one without the use of a large-volume spacer.

[Pulmonary function testing in bone marrow transplantation: a systematic review].

The pulmonary function test plays an important role in the management of pulmonary complications after bone marrow transplantation. Although its utility in helping to predict the likelihood of developing post transplant pulmonary complications and mortality is not well established, current data indicate that pre-transplant pulmonary function tests are important as a reference for the interpretation of post transplant pulmonary function tests and for identifying patients at high risk of developing pulmonary complications and/or mortality after bone marrow transplantation.