This study was undertaken to collect and publish Spirometric data in children of Andhra Pradesh. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) tracings were obtained in 159 healthy school boys between 7 and 14 years of age. Forced Expiratory Volumes (FEV) in the first half, three-quarters, and one second, as well as Forced Expiratory Flow Rates (FEF) in the early portion, middle half, and third quarter of FVC were measured from the tracing. Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was also recorded. The data were statistically analysed, and normal values, and simple prediction formulas for calculating expected values from age and physical measurements are given.

A total of 269 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were analysed. They were receiving 20 mg/kg body weight of ethambutol. The optic nerve involvement was seen in 2.2% of the patients. Colour blindness was not a prominent feature. If drug is continued after onset of vision changes, irreversible damage is likely.

Bronchofiberscopic aspiration using cannula with stylet (type PR 2B) was performed in 60 patients of bronchopulmonary diseases and secretions were collected from trachea, right main bronchus and left main bronchus. A morning sputum sample and an oropharyngeal swab were also taken. 50 harboured pathogens in their airways, in only 60 per cent, the same pathogens were present both in the main bronchi and upper respiratory tract. Bacteria were isolated in pure culture from bronchi in 86 per cent, while in sputum in only 19 per cent. Potential pathogens isolated from the bronchi were Coliforms, Cocci, and H. influenzae. The rate of isolation of Coliforms was higher in those who had received antibiotics for more than weeks. Gram’s stain of bronchial aspirate correlated better with corresponding culture. The method was well tolerated by all the patients.

A clinical, radiographic, spirometric and blood gas study was done on 63 asbestos exposed symptomatic workers, between 1983-85. Of these 32 were reassessed again in 1986. Though all had dyspnoea, other major symptoms were cough (84%), sputum (39.7%), chest pain (31.8%) and tiredness (25.4%). Only 30.2% showed rales in lung and 3.2% finger clubbing. On follow up tiredness was seen oftener. Radiographically linear (49.2%) and punctate (58.7%) deposits were mainly seen; 50.8% had 1-2 zone disease while 17.5% showed abnormalities in 5-6 zones. On follow up calcified pleural plaques were seen in 18.7% and 6 zone disease in 31.2% cases. By I.L.O. grading, Gr. II disease was seen in 23 and Gr. III in 3 cases. By spirometry 54% were in normal range and significant bronchodilator improvement (>10%) was seen in 14.3%. Overall functional disability was moderate in 6% initially and 53% on follow up. Blood PaO2 abnormalities were detected in 47% cases. The use of multiple criteria helped to pick up most cases of asbestosis and about 50% cases were seen to have progressed over three years.

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was carried out in 46 patients of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis. Smears were stained by Ziehl-Neelsen method and examined under light microscope. The bronchial brushing smears were examined by concentration method and cultured on Low-entein-Jensen medium. Prebronchoscopy and postbronchoscopy sputum specimens were subjected to similar examination. Prebronchoscopy sputum culture was positive in 21.73% of the patients. Acid fast bacilli in bronchial brush smear were detected in 33(71.73%) patients, while culture of bronchial brushings yielded positive results in 40(86.9%) patients. In smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis, fibreoptic bronchoscopy is useful in detecting the bacilli.

PaO2, PaCO2, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and renal histopathological changes were studied in eight cases of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) All cases were hypoxic and hypercapnic of varying grades. Three cases had impaired creatinine clearance. Kidney biopsy revealed hypercellularity, dilatation and congestion of glomerular tufts in six cases. Hypoxia was probably the major factor responsible for renal histopathological changes.

The new drug for prophylaxis against asthma, Ketotifen has been tried in a group of 20 mainly atopic asthmatic patients and the results compared with the similar group of 20 patients who received Disodium Cromoglycate prophylaxis. Ketotifen was well tolerated and was effective in prophylaxis. The main side effects were dryness of the mouth and drowsiness but not sufficient to interfere with drug intake or daily activities. The results are discussed.