Alan L. Michelson

Chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema; a disease of smokers.

Excerpt During the last two years a number of patients with chronic obstructive emphysema have been observed while under treatment with bronchodilator agents and the adrenal steroids, in the course...

Aerosolized steroids in bronchial asthma

Abstract Preparations of prednisolone and hydrocortisone suspended in a Freon propellant were administered as aerosols to asthmatic patients. Using the double-blind technique, we obtained strong evidence for a topical therapeutic effect of prednisolone in asthma. Clinical experience indicated that this was also true for aerosolized hydrocortisone. The topical therapeutic effect of steroids as given appeared to be approximately equivalent to a daily dose of 40 mg. of hydrocortisone by mouth.

Endocrine function in bronchial asthma and hay fever: A controlled study of 17-ketosteroid and 11-oxysteroid excretion

Abstract A controlled study of 17-ketosteroid and 11-oxysteroid excretion in ambulatory patients with bronchial asthma has been carried out during intervals when the patients had been without steroid medication for at least two weeks. No significant correlation was noted between steroid excretion and the asthmatic state as verified by serial timed vital capacities and daily score sheets. No significant correlation was noted between 17-ketosteroid excretion and 11-oxysteroid excretion. Total 11-oxysteroid excretion was not abnormal in bronchial asthma. Significant reduction of total 17-ketosteroids was found in both male and female asthmatic patients, as compared to age- and sex-matched controls, but not in patients with hay fever. Fractional 17-ketosteroid excretion as measured by androsterone-glucuronide and etiocholanolone-glucuronide analyses tended to confirm total 17-ketosteroid excretion. The administration of cortisone resulted in a further decrease of androsterone-glucuronide and etiocholanolone-glucuronide excretion for the duration of therapy.

Some effects of change in position on pulmonary function in bronchial asthma

Abstract 1.1. The compartmental lung volumes in twenty-six asthmatic patients and in ten normal subjects were studied in an effort to determine whether or not the change from the erect to the supine position could explain the increase in respiratory symptoms which so commonly occurs at night in bronchial asthma. 2.2. The predominant change in both groups was a fall in the vital capacity upon assuming the horizontal position. However, the vital capacity increased in one-third of the patients with asthma whereas no such increase was observed among the normal subjects. 3.3. Factors other than an immediate change in the vital capacity and compartmental lung volumes must play a role in the genesis of a nocturnal increase in symptoms in asthmatic patients.

The effect of ω-methoxy-poly (ethyleneoxy) ethyl p-butylaminobenzoate (tessalon) on ventilation and lung volumes

Abstract Tessalon, ω-methoxy-poly (ethyleneoxy) ethyl p-butylaminobenzoate, was given intravenously to ten patients with bronchial asthma. Ventilation and lung volumes were measured prior to and after the administration of the drug. No significant alteration in lung volumes or expiratory flow rate was observed. Tessalon, however, consistently increased the minute ventilation and, at the same time, appeared to provide patients with a sensation of ease in breathing. No objective basis for this was observed.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (ritalin) in obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Eleven experiments were carried out in seven patients with bronchial asthma. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) was given intravenously in a dosage of 2.5 to 10 mg., and the lung volumes, ventilation, and certain cardiovascular effects were measured before and after the administration of the drug. In general, Ritalin increased the vital capacity and the maximal expiratory flow rate and actively stimulated both the depth and the rate of respiration. Th effect of Ritalin on the cardiovascular apparatus was inconstant and, for the most part, moderate and transient.