Bronchodilation improves endurance but not muscular efficiency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We hypothesized that bronchodilator treatment not only improves hyperinflation and endurance capacity but also muscular efficiency in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to demonstrate that tiotropium and salmeterol improve muscular efficiency compared with placebo. Twenty-five COPD patients were studied, including 20 males of mean (standard deviation) age 62 years (7 years) with baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second of 41% (10%) predicted, and maximal workload of 101 Watt (36 Watt).

Lung function and exercise capacity in young adults born prematurely.

Rationale: Limited information is available about the long-term outcome of lung function and exercise capacity in young adults born prematurely.

Objective: To determine long-term effects of prematurity on lung function (volumes, diffusing capacity) and exercise capacity in ex-preterms compared with healthy peers.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study, children born with a gestational age of less than 32 wk and/or a birth weight under 1,500 g were followed up for 19 yr.

Bronchiolar airflow impairment after lung transplantation: an early and common manifestation.

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the major limitation to long-term survival after lung transplantation (LT). In this study we investigate the extent and frequency of airflow limitation after LT and its value for the diagnosis of BOS.

Methods: Flow-volume measurements were analyzed retrospectively in 36 recipients of a bilateral LT, with a median follow-up of 32.