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Combined Effects of Hypocapnia and Nicardipine on Airway Resistance: a pilot study

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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 µg·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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département d’Anesthésie Réanimation 1, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, BP217, F-38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France

    P. Combes & B. Fauvage

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  1. P. Combes
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  2. B. Fauvage
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Combes, P., Fauvage, B. Combined Effects of Hypocapnia and Nicardipine on Airway Resistance: a pilot study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 51, 385–388 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050218

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050218

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