Air trapping: The major factor limiting diaphragm mobility in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Background And Objective: Patients with COPD can have impaired diaphragm mechanics. A new method of assessing the mobility of the diaphragm, using ultrasound, has recently been validated. This study evaluated the relationship between pulmonary function and diaphragm mobility, as well as that between respiratory muscle strength and diaphragm mobility, in COPD patients.

Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragmatic mobility in different postures in healthy subjects.

Objective: To assess, using ultrasound, the effects that changes in body position have on diaphragmatic mobility in healthy subjects during spontaneous breathing.

Methods: The study involved seven healthy female volunteers, all of whom were nonsmokers, well nourished, and free of any cardiopulmonary disease. They were submitted to pulmonary function testing and ultrasound evaluation of the mobility of the right diaphragm by the craniocaudal displacement of the left branch of the portal vein using an ultrasound device in mode B.

Blood pressure and kidney size in term newborns with intrauterine growth restriction.

Context And Objective: Low birth weight is associated with higher blood pressure in childhood and adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on newborn systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Design And Setting: Prospective comparative study at Neonatal and Intensive in Clinical Pediatrics Division, Maternity Hospital in Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo.