HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (8) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Wohlgemuth, M. Articles by Folgering, H.T. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Wohlgemuth, M. Articles by Folgering, H.T.

Face mask spirometry and respiratory pressures in normal subjects

¹ Dept of Neurology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, ² Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, and , ³ Dept of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Nijmegen, Medical Centre Dekkerswald, Groesbeek, the Netherlands.

CORRESPONDENCE: M. Wohlgemuth, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Dept of Neurology, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Fax: 31 243541122. E-mail: M.Wohlgemuth@neuro.umcn.nl

Keywords: face mask, reference values, respiratory pressures, spirometry

Received: March 13, 2003
Accepted July 11, 2003

Spirometry and maximal respiratory pressures are pulmonary function parameters commonly used to evaluate respiratory function. Prediction values are available for conventional lung function devices using a standard tube or flanged type of mouthpiece connection. This equipment is not suitable for patients with facial or buccal muscle weakness, because of air leakage around the mouthpiece. A face mask was used for the portable lung function devices used in the neuromuscular department.

The aim of this study was to compare the face mask and the conventional mouthpiece for the measurement of spirometry and of respiratory pressures in 22 healthy subjects.

Values obtained with the conventional mouthpiece differed significantly from values obtained with the face mask. With the mask, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 200 mL lower, and maximal expiratory pressure was 3.2 kPa lower than with the mouthpiece. Subsequently, new prediction values for face mask spirometry and maximal respiratory pressures were obtained from 252 other healthy subjects, from which new prediction equations were derived.

It was concluded that the face mask connection to the lung function device is a valid alternative, is easy to use and is most useful to monitor changes in patients. This study confirms the importance of appropriate prediction equations, depending on subject-instrument interfaces.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Vitacca, M. Paneroni, L. Bianchi, E. Clini, A. Vianello, P. Ceriana, L. Barbano, B. Balbi, and S. Nava Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurement in tracheotomised patients Eur. Respir. J., February 1, 2006; 27(2): 343 - 349. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E.L. van der Kooi, O.J.M. Vogels, R.J.G.P. van Asseldonk, E. Lindeman, J.C.M. Hendriks, M. Wohlgemuth, S.M. van der Maarel, and G.W. Padberg Strength training and albuterol in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy Neurology, August 24, 2004; 63(4): 702 - 708. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Wohlgemuth, E. L. van der Kooi, R. G. van Kesteren, S. M. van der Maarel, and G. W. Padberg Ventilatory support in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy Neurology, July 13, 2004; 63(1): 176 - 178. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]