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Kjeld T, Krag TO, Brenøe A, Møller AM, Arendrup HC, Højberg J, Fuglø D, Hancke S, Tolbod LP, Gormsen LC, Vissing J, Hansen EG. Hemoglobin concentration and blood shift during dry static apnea in elite breath hold divers. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1305171. [PMID: 38745836 PMCID: PMC11092981 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1305171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Elite breath-hold divers (BHD) enduring apneas of more than 5 min are characterized by tolerance to arterial blood oxygen levels of 4.3 kPa and low oxygen-consumption in their hearts and skeletal muscles, similar to adult seals. Adult seals possess an adaptive higher hemoglobin-concentration and Bohr effect than pups, and when sedated, adult seals demonstrate a blood shift from the spleen towards the brain, lungs, and heart during apnea. We hypothesized these observations to be similar in human BHD. Therefore, we measured hemoglobin- and 2,3-biphosphoglycerate-concentrations in BHD (n = 11) and matched controls (n = 11) at rest, while myocardial mass, spleen and lower extremity volumes were assessed at rest and during apnea in BHD. Methods and results After 4 min of apnea, left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) determined by 15O-H2O-PET/CT (n = 6) and cardiac MRI (n = 6), was unaltered compared to rest. During maximum apnea (∼6 min), lower extremity volume assessed by DXA-scan revealed a ∼268 mL decrease, and spleen volume, assessed by ultrasonography, decreased ∼102 mL. Compared to age, BMI and VO2max matched controls (n = 11), BHD had similar spleen sizes and 2,3- biphosphoglycerate-concentrations, but higher total hemoglobin-concentrations. Conclusion Our results indicate: 1) Apnea training in BHD may increase hemoglobin concentration as an oxygen conserving adaptation similar to adult diving mammals. 2) The blood shift during dry apnea in BHD is 162% more from the lower extremities than from the spleen. 3) In contrast to the previous theory of the blood shift demonstrated in sedated adult seals, blood shift is not towards the heart during dry apnea in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kjeld
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas O. Krag
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Brenøe
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Merete Møller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Højberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dan Fuglø
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Hancke
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Poulsen Tolbod
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Christian Gormsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Egon Godthaab Hansen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Gerhardy B, Sivapathan S, Orde S, Morgan L. Simultaneous Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Echocardiography for Investigation of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction in Outpatients: Protocol for a Scoping Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52076. [PMID: 38345834 PMCID: PMC10897791 DOI: 10.2196/52076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary dysfunction is a complex process with a broad range of etiologies. Investigations performed either at rest or those that only assess the function of a single organ (heart or lungs) are often insufficient. A simultaneous cardiopulmonary exercise test with stress echocardiography is a new approach to assessing cardiopulmonary dysfunction as it provides anatomical and functional imaging simultaneously while under increasing stress. To date, the application of cardiopulmonary exercise test-stress echocardiography (CPET-SE) has been broad and without structure, and its effect on patient outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to explore and analyze the evidence regarding the role of simultaneous CPET-SE in investigating cardiopulmonary dysfunction in outpatients. It will include any published study in which adult (older than or equal to 18 years of age) patients have completed a CPET-SE for the investigation of cardiopulmonary dysfunction. METHODS This review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley framework, supported by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. It will use the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. Data sources will include MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane (including reviews, trials, and protocols) electronic databases, with no date range defined. The search will be limited to the English language with no restrictions regarding pathology. Secondary references of the included sources will also be assessed by a hand search for suitability. A 2-person title-abstract screen and data charting process will be used. Independent experts will be used for consultation including an academic librarian and clinicians. The Covidence software will be used for article screening. RESULTS This scoping review will provide a unified and detailed description of the applications of CPET-SE in investigating cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This will provide a platform for future research harnessing this investigatory method. The results will be presented in both tabular and graphical formats to ensure clarity. The results of this scoping review will be submitted to a relevant peer-reviewed academic journal for publication. CONCLUSIONS The CPET-SE is a powerful tool for investigating cardiopulmonary dysfunction but remains in its infancy with a patchwork approach to indications, data reporting, and interpretation. This scoping review will unify the literature and provide a platform for future researchers and the development of a comprehensive application guideline. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/98r3e. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/52076.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gerhardy
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Kingswood, Australia
| | - Shanthosh Sivapathan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Kingswood, Australia
| | - Sam Orde
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Kingswood, Australia
| | - Lucy Morgan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Kingswood, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, Australia
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3
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Tetzlaff K, Lemaitre F, Burgstahler C, Luetkens JA, Eichhorn L. Going to Extremes of Lung Physiology-Deep Breath-Hold Diving. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710429. [PMID: 34305657 PMCID: PMC8299524 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breath-hold diving involves environmental challenges, such as water immersion, hydrostatic pressure, and asphyxia, that put the respiratory system under stress. While training and inherent individual factors may increase tolerance to these challenges, the limits of human respiratory physiology will be reached quickly during deep breath-hold dives. Nonetheless, world records in deep breath-hold diving of more than 214 m of seawater have considerably exceeded predictions from human physiology. Investigations of elite breath-hold divers and their achievements revised our understanding of possible physiological adaptations in humans and revealed techniques such as glossopharyngeal breathing as being essential to achieve extremes in breath-hold diving performance. These techniques allow elite athletes to increase total lung capacity and minimize residual volume, thereby reducing thoracic squeeze. However, the inability of human lungs to collapse early during descent enables respiratory gas exchange to continue at greater depths, forcing nitrogen (N2) out of the alveolar space to dissolve in body tissues. This will increase risk of N2 narcosis and decompression stress. Clinical cases of stroke-like syndromes after single deep breath-hold dives point to possible mechanisms of decompression stress, caused by N2 entering the vasculature upon ascent from these deep dives. Mechanisms of neurological injury and inert gas narcosis during deep breath-hold dives are still incompletely understood. This review addresses possible hypotheses and elucidates factors that may contribute to pathophysiology of deep freediving accidents. Awareness of the unique challenges to pulmonary physiology at depth is paramount to assess medical risks of deep breath-hold diving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Tetzlaff
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frederic Lemaitre
- Faculte des Sciences du Sport et de l'Education Physique, Universite de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Christof Burgstahler
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Lars Eichhorn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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4
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Patrician A, Dujić Ž, Spajić B, Drviš I, Ainslie PN. Breath-Hold Diving - The Physiology of Diving Deep and Returning. Front Physiol 2021; 12:639377. [PMID: 34093221 PMCID: PMC8176094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.639377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breath-hold diving involves highly integrative physiology and extreme responses to both exercise and asphyxia during progressive elevations in hydrostatic pressure. With astonishing depth records exceeding 100 m, and up to 214 m on a single breath, the human capacity for deep breath-hold diving continues to refute expectations. The physiological challenges and responses occurring during a deep dive highlight the coordinated interplay of oxygen conservation, exercise economy, and hyperbaric management. In this review, the physiology of deep diving is portrayed as it occurs across the phases of a dive: the first 20 m; passive descent; maximal depth; ascent; last 10 m, and surfacing. The acute risks of diving (i.e., pulmonary barotrauma, nitrogen narcosis, and decompression sickness) and the potential long-term medical consequences to breath-hold diving are summarized, and an emphasis on future areas of research of this unique field of physiological adaptation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Patrician
- Center for Heart, Lung & Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Željko Dujić
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Boris Spajić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Drviš
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Center for Heart, Lung & Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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5
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Patrician A, Gasho C, Spajić B, Caldwell HG, Baković-Kramaric D, Barak O, Drviš I, Dujić Ž, Ainslie PN. Case Studies in Physiology: Breath-hold diving beyond 100 meters-cardiopulmonary responses in world-champion divers. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1345-1350. [PMID: 33600279 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00877.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this case study, we evaluate the unique physiological profiles of two world-champion breath-hold divers. At close to current world-record depths, the extreme physiological responses to both exercise and asphyxia during progressive elevations in hydrostatic pressure are profound. As such, these professional athletes must be capable of managing such stress, to maintain performing at the forefront human capacity. In both divers, pulmonary function before and after deep dives to 102 m and 117 m in the open sea was assessed using noninvasive pulmonary gas exchange (indexed via the O2 deficit, which is analogous to the traditional alveolar to arterial oxygen difference), ultrasound B-line scores, airway resistance, and airway reactance. Hydrostatic-induced lung compression was also quantified via spirometry. Both divers successfully performed their dives. Pulmonary gas exchange efficiency was impaired in both divers at 10 min but had mostly restored within a few hours. Mild hemoptysis was transiently evident immediately following the 117-m dive, whereas both divers experienced nitrogen narcosis. Although B-lines were only elevated in one diver postdive, reductions in airway resistance and reactance occurred in both divers, suggesting that the compressive strain on the structural characteristics of the airways can persist for up to 3.5 h. Marked echocardiographic dyssynchrony was evident in one diver after 10 m of descent, which persisted until resolving at ∼77 m during ascent. In summary, despite the enormous hydrostatic and physiological stress to diving beyond 100 m on a single breath, these data provide valuable insight into the extraordinary capacity of those at the pinnacle of apneic performance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that world-champion breath-hold divers demonstrate incredible tolerability to extreme levels of hydrostatic-induced lung compression. Immediately following dives to >100 m, there were acute impairments in pulmonary gas exchange efficiency, mild accummulation of extravascular lung fluid, noticable intrathoracic discomfort, and evident nitrogen narcosis, however, within a few hours, these had all mostly resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Patrician
- Center for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher Gasho
- Center for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Spajić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hannah G Caldwell
- Center for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Otto Barak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivan Drviš
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Dujić
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Center for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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Taboni A, Fagoni N, Fontolliet T, Grasso GS, Moia C, Vinetti G, Ferretti G. Breath holding as an example of extreme hypoventilation: experimental testing of a new model describing alveolar gas pathways. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:2216-2225. [PMID: 32991750 DOI: 10.1113/ep088977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? We modelled the alveolar pathway during breath holding on the hypothesis that it follows a hypoventilation loop on the O2 -CO2 diagram. What is the main finding and its importance? Validation of the model was possible within the range of alveolar gas compositions compatible with consciousness. Within this range, the experimental data were compatible with the proposed model. The model and its characteristics might allow predictions of alveolar gas composition whenever the alveolar ventilation goes to zero; for example, static and dynamic breath holding at the surface or during ventilation/intubation failure in anaesthesia. ABSTRACT According to the hypothesis that alveolar partial pressures of O2 and CO2 during breath holding (BH) should vary following a hypoventilation loop, we modelled the alveolar gas pathways during BH on the O2 -CO2 diagram and tested it experimentally during ambient air and pure oxygen breathing. In air, the model was constructed using the inspired and alveolar partial pressures of O2 ( P I O 2 and P A O 2 , respectively) and CO2 ( P IC O 2 and P AC O 2 , respectively) and the steady-state values of the pre-BH respiratory exchange ratio (RER). In pure oxygen, the model respected the constraint of P AC O 2 = - P A O 2 + P I O 2 . To test this, 12 subjects performed several BHs of increasing duration and one maximal BH at rest and during exercise (30 W cycling supine), while breathing air or pure oxygen. We measured gas flows, P A O 2 and P AC O 2 before and at the end of all BHs. Measured data were fitted through the model. In air, P I O 2 = 150 ± 1 mmHg and P IC O 2 = 0.3 ± 0.0 mmHg, both at rest and at 30 W. Before BH, steady-state RER was 0.83 ± 0.16 at rest and 0.77 ± 0.14 at 30 W; P A O 2 = 107 ± 7 mmHg at rest and 102 ± 8 mmHg at 30 W; and P AC O 2 = 36 ± 4 mmHg at rest and 38 ± 3 mmHg at 30 W. By model fitting, we computed the RER during the early phase of BH: 0.10 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.08-0.12] at rest and 0.13 (95% CI = 0.11-0.15) at 30 W. In oxygen, model fitting provided P I O 2 : 692 (95% CI = 688-696) mmHg at rest and 693 (95% CI = 689-698) mmHg at 30 W. The experimental data are compatible with the proposed model, within its physiological range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Taboni
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nazzareno Fagoni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Timothée Fontolliet
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Moia
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Vinetti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido Ferretti
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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7
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Bain AR, Drvis I, Dujic Z, MacLeod DB, Ainslie PN. Physiology of static breath holding in elite apneists. Exp Physiol 2019; 103:635-651. [PMID: 29512224 DOI: 10.1113/ep086269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? This review provides an up-to-date assessment of the physiology involved with extreme static dry-land breath holding in trained apneists. What advances does it highlight? We specifically highlight the recent findings involved with the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and metabolic function during a maximal breath hold in elite apneists. ABSTRACT Breath-hold-related activities have been performed for centuries, but only recently, within the last ∼30 years, has it emerged as an increasingly popular competitive sport. In apnoea sport, competition relates to underwater distances or simply maximal breath-hold duration, with the current (oxygen-unsupplemented) static breath-hold record at 11 min 35 s. Remarkably, many ultra-elite apneists are able to suppress respiratory urges to the point where consciousness fundamentally limits a breath-hold duration. Here, arterial oxygen saturations as low as ∼50% have been reported. In such cases, oxygen conservation to maintain cerebral functioning is critical, where responses ascribed to the mammalian dive reflex, e.g. sympathetically mediated peripheral vasoconstriction and vagally mediated bradycardia, are central. In defence of maintaining global cerebral oxygen delivery during prolonged breath holds, the cerebral blood flow may increase by ∼100% from resting values. Interestingly, near the termination of prolonged dry static breath holds, recent studies also indicate that reductions in the cerebral oxidative metabolism can occur, probably attributable to the extreme hypercapnia and irrespective of the hypoxaemia. In this review, we highlight and discuss the recent data on the cardiovascular, metabolic and, particularly, cerebrovascular function in competitive apneists performing maximal static breath holds. The physiological adaptation and maladaptation with regular breath-hold training are also summarized, and future research areas in this unique physiological field are highlighted; particularly, the need to determine the potential long-term health impacts of extreme breath holding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Bain
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Ivan Drvis
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zeljko Dujic
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - David B MacLeod
- Human Pharmacology and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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8
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Schipke JD, Eichhorn L, Behm P, Cleveland S, Kelm M, Boenner F. Glossopharyngeal insufflation and kissing papillary muscles. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 29:299-304. [PMID: 30376212 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen D Schipke
- c/o Forschungsgruppe Experimentelle Chirurgie, Universitäts-Klinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lars Eichhorn
- Clinic and Policlinic for Anaesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Patrick Behm
- Clinic for Cardiology, Pneumology & Angiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sinclair Cleveland
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Clinic for Cardiology, Pneumology & Angiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Florian Boenner
- Clinic for Cardiology, Pneumology & Angiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Stewart JM, Pianosi P, Shaban MA, Terilli C, Svistunova M, Visintainer P, Medow MS. Postural Hyperventilation as a Cause of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Increased Systemic Vascular Resistance and Decreased Cardiac Output When Upright in All Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Variants. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e008854. [PMID: 29960989 PMCID: PMC6064900 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.008854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous condition. We stratified patients previously evaluated for POTS on the basis of supine resting cardiac output (CO) or with the complaint of platypnea or "shortness of breath" during orthostasis. We hypothesize that postural hyperventilation is one cause of POTS and that hyperventilation-associated POTS occurs when initial reduction in CO is sufficiently large. We also propose that circulatory abnormalities normalize with restoration of CO2. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-eight enrollees with POTS were compared with 16 healthy volunteer controls. Low CO in POTS was defined by a resting supine CO <4 L/min. Patients with shortness of breath had hyperventilation with end tidal CO2 <30 Torr during head-up tilt table testing. There were no differences in height or weight between control patients and patients with POTS or differences between the POTS groups. Beat-to-beat blood pressure was measured by photoplethysmography, and CO was measured by ModelFlow. Systemic vascular resistance was defined as mean arterial blood pressure/CO. End tidal CO2 and cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery were only reduced during head-up tilt in the hyperventilation group, whereas blood pressure was increased compared with control. We corrected the reduced end tidal CO2 in hyperventilation by addition of exogenous CO2 into a rebreathing apparatus. With added CO2, heart rate, blood pressure, CO, and systemic vascular resistance in hyperventilation became similar to control. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that all POTS is related to decreased CO, decreased central blood volume, and increased systemic vascular resistance and that a variant of POTS is consequent to postural hyperventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Stewart
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Paul Pianosi
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed A Shaban
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Courtney Terilli
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Maria Svistunova
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Paul Visintainer
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Baystate Medical Center, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, Worcester, MA
| | - Marvin S Medow
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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