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Aim: Upper respiratory tract obstruction can cause cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction in children, which are largely reversible. We assessed the impact of upper respiratory tract obstruction on cardiac function in children scheduled for surgery for adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. Methods: In total, 30 patients who were admitted to the ear nose and throat outpatient clinic and were scheduled for surgery for adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy and 30 control subjects were included into study. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was measured in all subjects, and echocardiographic and electrocardiographic examinations were performed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 9.43±2.51 years. The mean PNIF was significantly lower in patients (110.0 ± 43.9 L/min) than in the control group (140.7±39.4 L/min; p=0.006), and the mean P wave amplitude was significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.001). The mean pulmonary ejection time (ET) was significantly shorter in patients than in controls. Conclusion: Lower mean PNIF values in the patient group indicated increased airway resistance, suggesting that PNIF values below 110 L/min may affect right heart function. PNIF can be used by the pediatrician for screening to guide surgeons in children with adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In our study we compared the structure and functions of the heart between predialysis and hemodialysis patients and investigated the related factors. Methods: This study included a total of 105 patients (mean age: 18-75 years): 51 on continuous hemodialysis and 54 predialysis subjects followed by the Nephrology Clinic and not yet involved in dialysis program. Laboratory data showing calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders and transthoracic echocardiography results were evaluated. Results: Serum parathormone, phosphorus, calcium x phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in the dialysis group compared to the predialysis group (p<0.001). No statistical difference was found between the groups with regard to median values of ejection fraction, mean values of left ventricular hypertrophy index and frequencies of diastolic dysfunction, and valve calcifications. Conclusion: Since predialysis group had higher smoking rate (29.6%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [122 (100-148) mg/dL] and body mass index (27.6±3.8 kg/m2) and had been receiving systemic drugs in different ratios, the two groups were not similar regarding the traditional risk factors; thus, this may be the explanation for finding no statistical difference in echocardiographic parameters. Besides investigating all the factors involved in the pathogenesis of disease, echocardiographic evaluation should be done periodically in both predialysis and dialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]