Featured Publications
Effect of intrapulmonary percussion ventilation on mucus in COPD patients.
Intermittent percussion ventilation is a technique in which small bursts of air are administered into the lungs at high frequency via a mouthpiece or mask. This study shows that it is an efficient method for evacuating excess mucus from the lungs in COPD patients.
Assessment of Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide during Incremental Exercise Test, in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
In COPD patients, respiratory failure can lead to CO₂ build-up during exercise, but the factors determining CO₂ levels have not been well studied. In this study, the CO₂ response during exercise was measured in 24 COPD patients and 10 of them developed hypercapnia (increased CO₂). CO₂ retention during exercise was strongly correlated with lung mechanics, such as one-second value and airway resistance.
Intrapulmonary percussion ventilation on functional respiratory imaging endpoints in COPD patients.
Intermittent percussion ventilation is a technique in which small bursts of air are administered into the lungs at high frequency via a mouthpiece or mask. This study shows that this treatment can lead to a recruitment of alveoli and a decrease in overinflation in COPD patients.
Inhalation profiles of asthma patients inhaling a pressurized metered dose inhaler.
Medication for the lungs is often given via an inhaler. In this case, it is not only important that the patient takes his medication at the right times. In order for the medication to work, it must end up in the right place. A correct way of inhaling has the greatest impact on this. This study shows that most patients inhale much faster than is recommended in the guidelines.
Influence of inhalation profile on deposition in COPD and Asthma patients.
The speed of inhalation has a major impact on where the medication ends up. With rapid inhalation, a lot of medication ends up in the central airways, where it has less effect. Correct inhalation significantly increases the efficiency of the medication in various lung conditions.
CT-derived measurements of pulmonary blood volume in small vessels and the need for supplemental oxygen in COVID-19 patients.
CT scan analysis of FLUIDDA, provides an image of the blood flow in the small blood vessels of the pulmonary circulation. This data gives an indication of the oxygen shortage in patients with acute COVID-19 infection.
Unraveling pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to symptoms in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): A retrospective study.
Patients with long-term COVID-19 symptoms (PASC) often have reduced physical fitness. This study examined the relationship between symptoms, lung function, blood volume and exercise tolerance. Patients with severe limitations had lower total lung capacity and more air trapping, which affects their symptoms. Treatment should focus on opening small airways to improve lung function and fitness.
Personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A proof-of-concept retrospective study.
Patients with long-term COVID-19 often experience a decline in physical fitness. This study investigated the effect of a 3-month pulmonary rehabilitation program on fitness, quality of life, and lung parameters. After rehabilitation, walking distance, maximum oxygen uptake, and peak workload improved significantly, and quality of life increased. A positive change in lung capacity and lung volume was also observed, indicating the recovery of small airways and better lung function.
Hyperventilation in Long COVID Patients Is Part of the Clinical Picture.
Long COVID is characterized by persistent complaints of fatigue, shortness of breath and sometimes cognitive problems. In 8 patients, a disturbance of breathing (hyperventilation) was observed at rest and during exercise. This was associated with a decreased blood pressure at maximal exercise, which may indicate a disturbed respiratory control and autonomic dysregulation. These factors may contribute to the symptoms of long COVID.