[Factors associated with smoking in sixth grade (11-13 years old)].

Because smoking begins most often in adolescence it is important to define clearly, with a view to prevention, the motivation of an adolescent to smoke. The role of the social group is well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potentially preventative role of knowledge in the field of respiration and the effects of cigarette smoke on one hand and of involvement in activities involving breathing on the other.

Relation between polysomnographic parameters and apnea index in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

We performed overnight polysomnography in 77 patients for diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and assessment of severity. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to apnea index (AI): group 1 (G1; no SAS), AI < or = 10 (21 patients), group 2 (G2; moderate SAS), 10 < AI < 40 (34 patients), and group 3 (G3; severe SAS), AI > or = 40 (22 patients). In all 3 groups, 60% of the apneas were obstructive, but the proportion of mixed apnea increased from G1 to G3 (6% in G1, 12% in G2, and 24% in G3).

[Acute effects of nicardipine on the vascular reactivity of oxygen in patients with respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary hypertension].

Pulmonary vascular response to the inhalation of various concentrations of oxygen (FIO2) was studied under basal conditions and after nicardipine in 10 patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic bronchitis. Hemodynamic data and blood gases were measured during inhalation of 3 gas mixtures: hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.15), normoxia (FIO2 = 0.