Small airway disease and asthma control

AIM

Maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) is one of the pulmonary function tests that report small airway disease. Our study aimed to investigate the role of MMEF values in asthma control, the prevalence of small airway disease, and their effect on asthma control in patients with asthma with normal forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) values.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Patients who presented to the Chest Diseases outpatient clinic of our hospital between 2018 and 2019 and were diagnosed as having asthma were included in the study. The characteristics of the patients, pulmonary function tests, their asthma treatment, and asthma control test (ACT) scores were recorded. Patients with FEV₁ <80 in the pulmonary function test, those with additional lung disease, those who had an attack in the last 4 weeks, and patients who smoked were excluded from the study. MMEF <65 was defined as small airway disease.

RESULTS

The MMEF% and MMEF (L/s) values of the group with uncontrolled asthma were found to be statistically significantly lower than those of the controlled asthma group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.003, respectively). MMEF% and MMEF (L/s) values in those with wheezing were found to be significantly lower compared with those without wheezing (p = 0.025 and p = 0.049, respectively). The MMEF% and MMEF (L/s) values of the patients with nocturnal symptoms were found to be statistically significantly lower than in patients without nocturnal symptoms (p = 0.023 and p = 0.041, respectively). ACT values of patients with MMEF <65 were found to be statistically lower than those of patients with MMEF >65 (0.047).

CONCLUSION

Considering small airway disease in patients with asthma may be beneficial in clinical practice.

Creatinine Clearance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

During an apnea, hemodynamic complications such as hypoxemia, a rise in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure, and changes in heart rate occur in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Potential mechanisms of OSA-associated renal dysfunction include renal hypoxia, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension is common in patients with OSA. This study aims to assess OSA patients' renal functions and investigate the creatinine clearance (CC) values across OSA patients with and without hypertension. The study included 530 individuals with OSA and 60 individuals with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of <5. CC calculated with the Cockcroft-Gault Equation. Patients with OSA divide into two groups as the group of patients with hypertension (HT) (group 1) and without HT (group 2). The study included 339 (64%) male and 191 (36%) female patients. It found that 32.4% of OSA patients had HT (Group 1). There was a significant difference in CC and urea levels between groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001; p=0.005). While CC was low in the OSA group, CC values were not statistically significantly different between the OSA patients and the control group (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was detected in urea and creatinine levels between the OSA and control groups (p=0.005; p=0.012). Creatinine clearance decreases in patients with OSA in the presence of HT. Patients with OSA often experience cardiovascular disorders, and glomerular endothelial dysfunction occurs in OSA patients.

Prognostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio in Lung Cancer

Numerous studies determined that the neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLR) had prognostic value in several cancer types. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NLR and PLR values with the survival time of lung cancer patients. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 2014 and December 2016, were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, disease stages, laboratory parameters recorded, and the relationship of NLR and PLR values with the survival time and the disease stage evaluated. NLR and PLR were categorized into two groups. SPSS 17.0 software package was used for the statistical analysis. ROC analysis, Student T-test, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Mean age of 62±8 years were included in the study. In the NSCLC group, the average NLR and PLR values were 4±3.35 and 194.6±144.4 respectively. Regarding the NSCLC group, the overall survival time was shorter in the subgroup with an NLR >3.43 (13.1 months) compared to the subgroup with an NLR ≤3.43 (24.3 months). The mean survival time was shorter in the group with a PLR > 136.9 compared to the group with a PLR ≤136.9 (15.9 and 24.6 months respectively). Subgroups consisting of survivors and non-survivors in the NSCLC group showed a statistically significant difference considering neutrophil and lymphocyte count, CRP, NLR, and PLR values (p<0.05). As NLR and PLR values are easily accessible, they have an essential role in the prognosis of lung cancer as well as other cancer types.

Relationship of asymmetric dimethylarginine levels with disease severity and pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background:

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has emerged as a risk marker for many conditions related to pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, little is known about ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) plasma concentrations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our interest centers on the role of ADMA in regulation of endothelial function in COPD and secondary PH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine concentrations in COPD and its association with PH.

Methods:

Patients with diagnosis of COPD underwent pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, and laboratory investigations including ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine.

Results:

Serum concentrations of ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine tend to increase as COPD progresses. Patients with PH had higher concentrations of ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine compared to cases with normal pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP); the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Our results show that increased ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine concentrations are associated with increased PAP measurements in patients with COPD, however, the relationship is not statistically significant.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients Referred for Evaluation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

A recent study reported an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and low vitamin D levels. In this study, we measured vitamin D levels in patients referred for evaluation of suspected OSA and sought to identify associated risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Our objective was to determine whether evaluations of patients with suspected OSA should include routine screening for vitamin D deficiency.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional study design, we measured vitamin D levels in consecutively enrolled patients referred for an OSA evaluation to Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. We conducted full-night polysomnography and compared vitamin D levels both between patients with OSA and patients without OSA and across the various severity levels of OSA. We evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and various clinical and demographic characteristics, including the apnea-hypopnea index and body mass index.

RESULTS

From April 2014 to June 2015, 195 patients were referred for OSA evaluation. Of these, 181 patients (93%) consented to participate and underwent full polysomnography and measurement of vitamin D levels. The mean ± standard deviation age was 49 ± 12 years and body mass index of 31 ± 6 kg/m². Polysomnography led to the diagnosis of OSA in 162 of the patients (89.5%): 52 (32%) were categorized as having mild OSA, 38 (23.5%) as having moderate OSA, and 72 (44.5%) as having severe OSA. Vitamin D level was 15.5 ± 11.6 ng/mL (95% confidence interval; 13-17 ng/mL) and 134 patients (74%) met the criterion for vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL). Sex, vitamin D levels, and percentage of patients with vitamin D deficiency were similar in patients with and without OSA (P > .05). Vitamin D levels were similar across OSA severity categories (P = .68). We found no association between vitamin D levels and the apnea-hypopnea index or body mass index.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of patients referred for OSA evaluation had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels did not differ by OSA diagnosis status or severity. Patients referred for polysomnography should undergo routine screening for vitamin D deficiency as well as clinically indicated treatment to prevent associated comorbidities.

The Effect of Pulmonary Function Testing on the Success of Smoking Cessation

BACKGROUND

In several studies, low spirometric levels have been shown to increase the success rates of smoking cessation, whereas other studies have indicated that pulmonary function has no effects on quitting smoking. Given the fact that there are contradictory results on this subject, we aimed to investigate the effect of identifying airway obstruction via spirometry and its explanation to subjects on the success rate of smoking cessation in the short term.

METHODS

Subjects who were admitted to the smoking cessation out-patient clinic, underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and completed at least 3 months of the cessation program following their admittance were included in the study. At the first interview, all subjects were asked about their comorbid diseases and smoking habits. PFTs were performed. Subjects who had an obstruction on PFT were informed that their condition was smoking-related, and that further deterioration could be prevented following smoking cessation. Then the smoking cessation date was determined together with the subject, and one of the smoking cessation medicines was prescribed. All subjects were given control appointments twice for the first month and once per month for the following 2-month follow-up period. Subjects who had CO levels between 0 and 5 parts per million were considered as non-smokers.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 563 subjects was 41.9 ± 12.1 y 340 subjects (60.4%) were male. A total of 162 subjects (28.8%) came to the follow-up visits following the first interview. The success of smoking cessation for 3 months was 11.3% for all subjects and 39.5% for subjects who came to follow-up visits. Of the subjects with obstruction on PFT; 22.8% stopped smoking, whereas 8.4% of the subjects without obstruction did so (P < .001). The percentage of subjects with obstruction on PFT was significantly higher (P < .001) and the FEV1 % (P = .005), FEV1/FVC (P < .001), and forced expiratory flow 25-75% (P = .008) levels were significantly lower in the quitters compared with the non-quitters. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (P = .001) and the presence of obstruction on PFT (P = .029) were independent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age and the presence of obstruction on PFT increase the success of smoking cessation. Pulmonary function tests should be performed on all patients who apply to smoking cessation out-patient clinics, and patients should be informed about their condition.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in diagnosing intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenitis

AIMS

Patients with suspected tuberculosis without pulmonary lesions and with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy often pose a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients with isoleted intrathoracic lymphadenopathy due to tuberculosis (TB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLA) as the final diagnosis were analysed among patients in whom EBUS-TBNA had been performed. All patients underwent routine clinical assessment and a CT scan prior to EBUS-TBNA. Demographic data, pathological findings, and microbiological results were recorded. All patients received 6-month antituberculous treatment, followed-up regularly and recovered both on clinical and radiological basis.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included. EBUS-TBNA diagnosed TB intrathoracic lympadenopathy in 42 (95.4%) patients. In 2 patients, EBUS-TBNA was not able to confirm a diagnosis and additional procedures were required. Cytopathological findings alone revealed TB in 32 (72.7%) patients. One of the patients (2.2%) was smear positive while microbiological investigations provided a positive culture of TB in 22 (50%) patients. TB culture was positive in 10 of 12 patients in whom cytopathologic evaluation was not able to diagnose. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation s improved the diagnostic yield from 72.7% to 95.4%.

CONCLUSION

EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective first line investigation for evaluating isolated intrathoracic tuberculous lympadenopathy. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation improves the sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA.

CPAP adherence of patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) are the gold standard treatments for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but CPAP/BPAP is not well tolerated and requires long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

We prospectively assessed subjective and objective adherence and factors that affect adherence in OSAS patients.

METHODS

Subjects using CPAP/BPAP were questioned about adverse effects of CPAP/BPAP and were assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at the first, third, sixth, and twelfth month, and once every 6 months after the first year. CPAP/BPAP use and objective and subjective adherence were assessed. Subjects who used CPAP/BPAP for at least 4 hours per night for at least 70% of the days monitored were regarded as adherent, and those who did not were considered non-adherent. The relationships between adherence and demographic data, polysomnography findings, ESS scores, and adverse effects were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Six-hundred forty-eight subjects who were diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography and accepted to use CPAP/BPAP in our sleep center between January 2005 and June 2011 were included. Four-hundred fifty-one subjects (69.6%) were men, and 197 (30.4%) were women. Two-hundred forty-eight (38.3%) subjects attended follow-ups, 246 (37.9%) were called by telephone, and 154 (23.8%) could not be reached. Of the whole population, 63.9% had obtained their CPAP/BPAP machine. In the 248 subjects who attended follow-ups, subjective adherence was 85.1% and objective adherence was 64.5%. Improvement in ESS score (P < .001) and satisfactory sleep (P < .001) were found to be significantly higher in the adherent group. Chest discomfort, difficulty falling asleep, and sleep disturbances were significantly higher in the non-adherent group (all P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Of the whole population, just 38.3% attended follow-ups. The objective adherence was lower than the subjective adherence in subjects who attended follow-ups. Younger subjects were more adherent, and the most important factors that correlated with adherence were substantial improvement of daytime sleepiness and effect of CPAP/BPAP on satisfactory sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

CPAP/BPAP adherence should be followed with objective monitoring.

The utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in mediastinal or hilar lymph node evaluation in extrathoracic malignancy: Benign or malignant?

OBJECTIVE

Newly arising enlarged or hypermetabolic mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with previously diagnosed extrathoracic malignancies raise suspicion of metastasis. Relatively high proportion of these LNs is due to a benign condition. We aimed to determine frequency of malignant LNs and role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for clarification of the origin of suspicious LNs in these patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a known extrathoracic malignancy and suspected hilar/mediastinal LN were included in this prospective study. Computed tomography (CT) of thorax and positron emission tomography-CT of all patients were taken. LNs with short axis >1 cm at CT of thorax and SUV ≥ 2.5 were accepted suspicious for malignancy. All patients underwent EBUS-TBNA for pathological verification of LNs. Patients with benign diagnosis either underwent invasive procedures or were followed up. The results were evaluated for frequency of malignant hilar/mediastinal LNs and sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic values of EBUS-TBNA.

RESULTS

A total of 48 cases with a mean age of 57.4±11.6 were included. All cases had the diagnosis of an extrathoracic malignancy. 78 LNs were aspirated with EBUS-TBNA in 48 cases (1.62 LNs/patient). The mean short axis of aspirated LNs was 1.51±0.63. Results of EBUS-TBNA revealed malignancy in 15 cases (31.2%), tuberculosis in six cases (12.5%), sarcoidosis in four cases (8.3%), and reactive adenitis in 23 cases (48%). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA for malignancy were 83.3%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively. When both benign and malignant diseases were considered, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA were 89.2%, 100%, 86.9%, and 93.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio of benign LNs in patients with extrathoracic malignancies is relatively high. EBUS-TBNA is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective method for clarification of intrathoracic LNs.

The role of convex probe endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes

Background

In the diagnosis of malignant lymph nodes (LNs) and staging of lung cancer, sampling of mediastinal and hilar LNs is essential. Mediastinoscopy is known as the gold standard. Convex probe (CP) endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a noninvasive and highly sensitive diagnostic method in mediastinal and hilar LN sampling.

Objectives

Evaluating the role of CP-EBUS-guided TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar LNs suspicious of malignancy.

Patients and Methods

One hundred twenty patients with a known lung malignancy or hilar/mediastinal LNs detected by thoracic computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET)-CT suspicious for malignancy were included in this prospective study. The procedure was performed by Olympus 7.5 MHz CP endoscope and EU C2000 processor by the oral route under topical anesthesia and conscious sedation. After visualization of LNs, their dimensions were recorded. Aspiration was considered as “insufficient” if there were inadequate lymphocytes on the smears. Diagnosis of “malignancy” on cytologic examination was considered as the “final diagnosis”. If diagnosis was negative for malignancy, more invasive procedures were performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results

Twenty four females and 96 male patients (mean age, 57.8 ± 9.1) were included. A total of 177 LN stations were aspirated in 120 patients. In 82 patients, the diagnosis was malignant by EBUS-guided TBNA and in the remaining 38; the diagnosis was established by further invasive procedures. Of the 38 EBUS-guided TBNA negative patients, 28 were diagnosed as non-malignant and 10 were malignant. The sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy and negative predictive value of CP EBUS-guided TBNA were 89.1%, 91.6% and 73.6%, respectively. No major complications were seen.

Conclusion

As an alternative method to mediastinoscopy, EBUS-guided TBNA is a safe and noninvasive procedure with high sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignant mediastinal LNs.

Sensitivity of convex probe endobronchial sonographically guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenitis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and diagnostic value of convex probe endobronchial sonographically guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenitis.

METHODS

Patients clinically and radiologically suspected to have granulomatous mediastinal disease and followed in our clinic between October 2008 and July 2010 were included. Convex probe EBUS with local anesthesia and under conscious sedation and EBUS-TBNA from hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were performed after physical examination, chest radiography, computed tomography of the thorax, and routine biochemical analysis. Detection of noncaseating/caseating granulomas was accepted as sufficient for diagnosis of sarcoidosis/tuberculosis in the presence of clinical and radiologic findings. For patients whose EBUS-TBNA results were nondiagnostic, a definitive diagnosis was reached by invasive procedures. The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis and diagnostic accuracy in granulomatous hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathies was calculated.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were included in study (20 male and 52 female; mean age ± SD, 46.22 ± 13.94 years). In 72 cases, 121 lymph node aspirations were performed. The average lymph node short axis was 1.96 cm. With EBUS-TBNA among the 72 cases, 35 were diagnosed as sarcoidosis and 16 as tuberculous lymphadenitis. A definitive diagnosis could not be reached with EBUS-TBNA in 21 cases. As a result, 9 of these EBUS-TBNA-negative cases were diagnosed as reactive lymphadenitis, 9 as sarcoidosis, and 3 as tuberculosis by invasive procedures. The sensitivity values of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and granulomatous diseases were 79.5%, 84.2%, and 80.9%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for granulomatous diseases was 83.3%. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis, EBUS-TBNA, with high sensitivity and a minimum complication rate, is an alternative to mediastinoscopy.

Efficacy of iodopovidone pleurodesis and comparison of small-bore catheter versus large-bore chest tube

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy of iodopovidone as an agent for pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and to compare the efficacy of small-bore catheter (Pleuracan, Braun, Melsungen, Germany) and conventional large-bore chest tube in pleural fluid drainage and sclerotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with MPE were prospectively consecutively randomized into two groups between August 2004 and February 2007: pleurodesis via conventional (32F) chest tube (group 1) and small-bore catheter (group 2), both using iodopovidone. After 3 months' follow-up, response rates (complete or partial), complication rates, and duration of procedures within whole group, group 1, and group 2 were compared. Statistical analyses were performed by Mann-Whitney U, chi(2), and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Forty-three pleurodeses were performed in 41 patients. The response was complete in 26 (60.5%) and partial in 12 (27.9%), and the overall success rate was 88.4%. The response rate was not associated with the type of inserted tube (P = .750), pleural fluid pH (P = .290), or pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (P = .727). In group 1 (n = 20), 12 demonstrated complete and 6 demonstrated partial response, with a 90% success rate; success was 86.9% in group 2, with complete response in 14 and partial response in 6 patients. Success rates were similar in the two groups (P = 1.000). Of 43 procedures, complications were observed in 14 (32.5%), and complication rates were 35% and 30.4% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .750). The most frequent complication was pain (16.2%), followed by fever, subcutaneous emphysema, dyspnea, and hypotension.

CONCLUSION

Iodopovidone is an effective, inexpensive, safe, and easily available alternative in chemical pleurodesis in MPE. The success rates of pleurodesis were found to be similar regardless of the type of the tube inserted.

The effect of body mass index on functional parameters and quality of life in COPD patients

Malnutrition increases dyspnea and exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients by effecting respiratory muscle strength (RMS) and thereby decreasing quality of life (QoL). This is a prospective study conducted to find out the differences due to pulmonary function tests (PFT), arterial blood gases (ABG), RMS, exercise capacity (EC) and QoL in COPD patients having low and normal body mass index (BMI). The study was carried out between April 2003-June 2004 and included 65 male COPD patients with a mean age of 63.4 +/- 9.6. The patients were grouped into 2: Low BMI group (BMI < 21) and normal BMI group (BMI= 21-28). All patients were investigated with PFT (spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, diffusion capacity), ABG analyses, Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale, determination of EC by 6 minutes walking test (6 MWT) and determination of QoL by Turkish version of St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Of these cases, 29 (44.6%) had low and 36 (55.4%) had normal BMI; MMRC was higher in the first group without statistical significance (p= 0.074). The first group demonstrated significantly lower diffusion capacity (DLco) and DLco%, PEmax, PEmax%, RMS and RMS% (p< 0.05). ABG analyses, 6 MWT results and SGRQ symptom scores revealed no significant difference. As a conclusion, BMI is closely related to dyspnea score, RMS and QoL in COPD patients, therefore in patients with low BMI pulmonary rehabilitation programs including nutritional support should accompany medical treatment.

Effects of prognostic factors and treatment on survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

In this study, 304 stage III-B and IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases diagnosed and followed up in our hospital between January 2000 and December 2002 are retrospectively analysed. The effects of demographic, clinical, laboratory findings and different therapeutic modalities on survival were investigated. Of the cases, 31 (10.2%) were women, 273 (89.8%) were men and mean age was 60.59 +/- 10.73. Analysis by the Kaplan-Meier method revealed that median survival was 6.0 +/- 0.5 (95% CI: 5.1-6.9) months and 12 and 24-month survival rates were 25.27 +/- 2.99% and 11.48 +/- 2.77% respectively. By univariate analysis of 33 parameters, 12 of them were found to be effective on survival and this relationship was statistically significant (p< 0.05). These parameters indicating poor prognosis were age > 70, ECOG performance score > 1, dyspnea, peripheral lymphadenomegaly (LAM), mediastinal invasion, pleural effusion, distant metastasis, elevated serum LDH, CA 19.9, CA-125 values, not receiving curative radiotherapy (RT) (> 50 Gy) or chemotherapy (CT). A multivariate analysis by Cox regression method revealed that advanced age, mediastinal invasion and metastatic disease were not independent prognostic factors on survival whereas ECOG performance score > 1 (p= 0.000), absence of CT (p= 0.000) and curative RT (p= 0.018), dyspnea (p= 0.035), peripheral LAM (p= 0.022) and pleural effusion (p= 0.043) were independent prognostic factors on survival.

The choice of anaesthetic technique for caesarean section does not affect plasma beta-endorphin levels in the neonate

Umbilical cord blood was collected immediately after parturition in full term neonates during Caesarean section under either general or epidural anaesthesia. Using a radioimmunoassay technique, beta-endorphin concentrations were measured in the plasma of neonates and Apgar scores were evaluated. The mean value of beta-endorphin was 56.80 +/- 14.35 (pg mL-1) in the general anaesthesia group, and 53.17 +/- 10.58 (pg mL-1) in the epidural anaesthesia group (N.S.).