Lung Function of Adults Born at Very Low Birth Weight.

Background: Much remains unknown about the consequences of very low birth weight (VLBW) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on adult lungs. We hypothesized that VLBW adults would have impaired lung function compared with controls, and those with a history of BPD would have worse lung function than those without.

Methods: At age 26 to 30 years, 226 VLBW survivors of the New Zealand VLBW cohort and 100 term controls born in 1986 underwent lung function tests including spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and single-breath nitrogen washout (SBN).

The New Zealand 1986 very low birth weight cohort as young adults: mapping the road ahead.

Background: Very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) is associated with increased morbidity and costs of health care in childhood. Emerging evidence suggests these infants face a range of health and social problems as young adults. We studied all New Zealand very low birth weight infants born in 1986 (when 58% were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids) in infancy, with later follow-up at 7 to 8 years and 23 to 24 years.

The development of a community-based spirometry service in the Canterbury region of New Zealand: observations on new service delivery.

In 2008, as part of the changes to develop integrated health care services in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, the local health board in collaboration with general practitioners, respiratory specialists and scientists introduced a programme for general practices to provide laboratory-quality spirometry in the community. The service adhered to the 2005 ATS/ERS international spirometry standards. The spirometry service was provided by trained practice nurses and community respiratory nurses, and was monitored and quality assured by certified respiratory scientists in the Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Christchurch Hospital and CISO (Canterbury Initiative Services Organisation).

Measurement of oxygen concentration delivered via nasal cannulae by tracheal sampling.

Background And Objective: Oxygen is used in many clinical scenarios, however the variable performance of nasal cannulae makes determining the precise fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) difficult. We developed a novel method for measurement of the tracheal FiO2 using a catheter placed via bronchoscopy. We investigate the effects of oxygen delivery, respiratory rate, mouth position and estimated minute ventilation (VE ) on the FiO2 delivered by nasal cannulae.

Effect of salbutamol on the measurement of single-breath diffusing capacity.

Background And Objective: The bronchodilation and cardiovascular effects of bronchodilators may alter alveolar ventilation and perfusion distribution, which could subsequently affect single-breath diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DL ,CO) measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salbutamol on DL ,CO in subjects with and without airway obstruction and reversibility.

Methods: Sixty subjects were investigated with 20 in each of the three groups: normal spirometry; irreversible obstruction; and reversible obstruction.

Supplemental oxygen effect on hypoxemia at moderate altitude in patients with COPD.

Introduction: Altitude exposure will cause moderate to severe hypoxemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Supplemental oxygen can be used to attenuate this hypoxemia; however, individual response is variable and difficult to predict. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oxygen supplementation in patients with COPD at a barometric pressure similar to that of a commercial aircraft cabin.

Resting and exercise response to altitude in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Exposure to altitude invariably involves some form of physical activity. There are limited data available to help predict the response to activity at altitude in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the response to acute altitude exposure at rest and during exercise in patients with COPD.