[Evaluation of a single oral dose of nifedipine on the right- ventricular ejection fraction in patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases].

Nineteen patients (12 males, 7 females, mean age 59 +/- 10 years) with chronic obstructive lung disease and lowered ventilatory reserves in partial and full respiratory insufficiency (FEV1 f = 51 +/- 19%; MEF 50 = 23 +/- 13% pred. value, R(aw) = 220 +/- 120%; pO2 = 59 +/- 5; pCO2 = 41 +/- 10 mmHg) were included in the study. All had RVEF measured using radionuclide angiocardiography before and 60 minutes after oral administration of 20 mg of nifedipine. In all RVEF was initially reduced by 25%. After administration of NF in 12 patients a statistically significant increase of RVEF was seen (by a mean value of 12 = +/- 8%). iN 7 no significant increase could be seen. The two groups reactive and non-reactive to NF did not differ in age, sex, degree of ventilatory impairment, hypoxia, and initial decrease of RVEF.