Transient expiratory flow interruptions (TEFI) increase expiratory flow in acute XXXX exacerbation.

@entity748 @entity1 @entity565
We have shown that expiratory flows increase when expirations are rapidly interrupted in stable @entity748 @entity1 . We hypothesized that a similar increase could be obtained in @entity1 with acute exacerbation of @entity565 treated in the Emergency Room. A total of 30 @entity748 @entity1 were randomly allocated into two groups, the study and the control groups. @entity1 in the study group were connected to a device with an inspiratory line designed to administer pressurized aerosols. The expiratory line passed through a valve completely interrupting flow at 4 Hz, with an open/closed time ratio of 10/3. The control group @entity1 were also connected to the device, but with the valve kept open. Mean expiratory flow at tidal volume (MEFTV) was measured under basal conditions and at 4, 8 and 12 minutes after connecting the @entity1 to the device. All @entity1 received standard treatment throughout the procedure. At all time points MEFTV increased more in the study than in the control group (p < 0.003 by two-way ANOVA). There was no residual effect after disconnection from the device. We conclude that TEFI can rapidly improve expiratory flows in @entity1 with acute exacerbations of @entity565 , while pharmacologic interventions proceed.
