Deposition-dependent normal ranges for radioaerosol assessment of lung mucus clearance.

Deposition distribution variability strongly influences data from radioaerosol mucus clearance measurements. We investigated how one clearance measurement-the area under the 0-6 h tracheobronchial retention curve (AUC)-relates to three different indices characterizing initial particle distribution. These indices were a conventional penetration index (PI), retention at 24 h (R(24)) and an Airways Penetration Index (API).

The effect of inhaled tiotropium bromide on lung mucociliary clearance in patients with COPD.

Study Objective: To assess the effects of tiotropium on lung mucociliary clearance in COPD.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

Setting: Outpatients of an urban-area university teaching hospital.

Effect of aromatics on lung mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic airways obstruction.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine have become an increasingly topical theme in respiratory medicine. Aromatics are a commonly used ingredient in a number of proprietary medicines. It is well established that lung mucus clearance is impaired in patients with chronic airways obstruction.