ObjectiveTo monitor the diaphragm function of mechanical ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. MethodsA prospective study was conducted on mechanical ventilation patients who had been evaluated by ventilation weaning screening test and planning to underwent spontaneous breathing trial between May 2013 and November 2013. A newly designed multi-function esophageal electrode was used to record the phrenic nerve conduction time (PNCT),diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure (TwPdi) elicited by bilateral anterolateral magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation. Results14 patients were recruited in this study. 1 case exited because of intolerance of repetitive magnetic stimulation,2 cases had no diaphragmatic electromyographic signals nor twitch signals,1 case had diaphragmatic electromyographic signal but could not be elicited by magnetic stimulation,1 case had no available TwPdi value with PNCT of 7.2 ms and CMAP of 1.26 mV. In the rest 9 cases,the PNCT,CMAP and TwPdi were (8.5±1.5)ms,(1.01±0.35)mV,(11.2±4.7)cm H2O,respectively. ConclusionNewly designed multi-function esophageal electrode catheter combined with bilateral anterolateral magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation can be used for non-volitional comprehensive assessment of diaphragm in critically ill patients,but not suitable for all subjects.
ObjectiveTo observe the curative effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsSixty-four patients with stable moderate to severe COPD who visited during January 2016 and December 2017 were recruited in the study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 32 cases in each group. The spirometry was conducted in all patients. The right deep inspiratory end diaphragm thickness and the quiet end expiratory diaphragm thickness were measured by ultrasound, and the diaphragm thickness fraction (DTF) was calculated. The routine drug treatment was given in both groups. The comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation treatment was given in the observation group (include breath training, exercise training, health education and nutrition guide). The pulmonary function, diaphragm function, severity and quality of life were evaluated before and 6 months later after the treatment.ResultsIn the observation group, the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%pred), FEV1/FVC ratio and DTF were all significantly improved compare with before treatment and the control group (all P<0.05). While the BODE index was significantly declined compare with before treatment and the control group (all P<0.05).ConclusionPulmonary rehabilitation treatment can help improve pulmonary function, diaphragm function, condition of the disease and quality of life.
ObjectiveTwitch transdiaphragmatic pressure is used to evaluate the diaphragm function of mechanical ventilated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients before weaning in the intensive care unit, and compared with healthy normal values.MethodsPatients were recruited if they were with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, admitted between May to November in 2013 and December 2014 to February 2016 to the intensive care unit in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, intubated and mechanical ventilated more than 72 hours, and recovered to the clinical stability states after passing the readiness to wean, getting ready for spontaneous breathing test. The newly designed esophageal electrode catheter and bilateral anterolateral magnetic phrenic nerves stimulation were utilized to detect the twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure. At the same time, the function of diaphragm was detected in 10 healthy adults for comparison.ResultsTwenty-two patients were recruited in this study. Two cases had no twitch signals. In the rest 20 cases, the twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure was (7.6±2.5) cm H2O. In 10 healthy adults, twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure was (26.7±4.9) cm H2O. There was significant difference between the patients and the health control subjects (P<0.05).ConclusionTwitch transdiaphragmatic pressure is significantly decreased in weaning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients compared with healthy adults.