P Combes1, B Fauvage. 1. Département d'Anesthésie Réanimation 1, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, France.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the modification of the resistive inspiratory properties of the respiratory system associated with hypocapnia in the presence of nicardipine. METHODS: The resistance of the respiratory system, Rrsmin, was studied in two groups of patients who needed mechanical hyperventilation. Group 1 (n = 14; 47 years) was the control group (head injuries); group 2 (n = 12; 53.5 years) included patients treated over a 3 week period with nicardipine (0.5 microgram.kg-1.min-1 i.v.) to prevent arterial vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the groups concerning anthropometric and basal respiratory characteristics. In group 1, hypocapnia caused a 20.9% increase in Rrsmin, but no significant increase was observed in group 2. CONCLUSION: Hypocapnic alkalosis had a significant bronchial constrictory effect, which was eliminated in the presence of nicardipine hydrochloride.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the modification of the resistive inspiratory properties of the respiratory system associated with hypocapnia in the presence of nicardipine. METHODS: The resistance of the respiratory system, Rrsmin, was studied in two groups of patients who needed mechanical hyperventilation. Group 1 (n = 14; 47 years) was the control group (head injuries); group 2 (n = 12; 53.5 years) included patients treated over a 3 week period with nicardipine (0.5 microgram.kg-1.min-1 i.v.) to prevent arterial vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the groups concerning anthropometric and basal respiratory characteristics. In group 1, hypocapnia caused a 20.9% increase in Rrsmin, but no significant increase was observed in group 2. CONCLUSION:Hypocapnic alkalosis had a significant bronchial constrictory effect, which was eliminated in the presence of nicardipine hydrochloride.