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Effect of helium concentration on experimental upper airway obstruction.

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of helium concentration in inspired gas on resistance to breathing during experimental upper airway obstruction. Obstruction was modeled by use of a series of four polyvinyl endotracheal tubes narrowed progressively in their midportions with C clamps. Percentage ratios of helium-oxygen gas mixtures were 0:100, 40:60, 60:40, and 80:20. Gas flow was provided by two methods: 1) nontidal flow from compressed gas tanks from which resistance was calculated from pressure and flow measurements, and 2) tidal respiratory flow from human volunteers from whom respiratory effort was evaluated by using airway pressure measurements integrated over 90-second trial periods. The results derived from both methods demonstrated that the effect of helium in reducing resistance and pressure in an obstructed airway is linear (p less than .016) and inversely proportional to helium concentration. Reductions in resistance and pressure were larger for the tighter obstructions (p less than .007). As helium was added to the gas mixture (from 0% to 80%), resistance and airway pressure measurements dropped 42% and 58%, respectively. The major conclusions are that 1) even low concentrations of helium may have therapeutic value and 2) helium is effective only for more severe obstructions.
AuthorsJ R Houck, M F Keamy 3rd, J M McDonough
JournalThe Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol) Vol. 99 Issue 7 Pt 1 Pg. 556-61 (Jul 1990) ISSN: 0003-4894 [Print] United States
PMID2369039 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Drug Combinations
  • Helium
  • Oxygen
Topics
  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction (physiopathology, therapy)
  • Airway Resistance (drug effects)
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Drug Combinations
  • Helium (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
  • Humans
  • Inspiratory Capacity (drug effects)
  • Intubation, Intratracheal (instrumentation)
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Microcomputers
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxygen (administration & dosage)
  • Regression Analysis
  • Respiration (drug effects)
  • Tidal Volume (drug effects)
  • Time Factors

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