Diaphragmatic paralysis: a clinical imitator of cardiorespiratory diseases.

Diaphragmatic paralysis has a predictable effect on lung function. However, the symptoms depend on the preexisting heart-lung diseases and may mimic various cardiorespiratory processes. We describe the presentation in six patients.

Ventilatory support during training improves training benefit in severe chronic airway obstruction.

Background: One mechanism that may limit training effect in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the ventilatory limitation and associated dyspnea.

Objectives: To minimize ventilatory limitation during training of patients with severe COPD by applying bi-level positive pressure ventilation during training in order to augment training intensity (and effect).

Methods: The study group comprised 19 patients (18 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 64 +/- 9 years.

Pregnancies and outcome in women with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Along with the increased life expectancy in cystic fibrosis and the remarkable progress in its management and therapy, issues of female fertility and pregnancy are frequently raised. These include infertility, severity of lung disease, pancreatic insufficiency, poor nutritional status, glucose intolerance and diabetes, drug safety, and long-term maternal and neonatal outcome.

Objective: To describe the experience of our CF center in the management of CF pregnant woman from 1977 to 2004.