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THAM improves an experimentally induced severe dyspnea
Takashi Nishino1, Naho Iiyori, Shirho Isono
1Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan. nishinot@faculty.chiba-u.jp
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|September 23, 2008
Summary
Tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane (THAM) alleviates dyspnea by reducing respiratory drive. This study found THAM improved subjective dyspnea and decreased ventilation in healthy subjects experiencing hypercapnia and elastic loading.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dyspnea is often linked to increased ventilatory drive.
- Tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane (THAM) is an alkalizing agent with respiratory depressant effects and does not increase CO2 production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of THAM on dyspnea in individuals with increased respiratory drive.
- To assess THAM's impact on hypercapnia and elastic loading-induced dyspnea.
Main Methods:
- 14 healthy subjects underwent hypercapnia and elastic loading.
- Dyspnea was rated using a visual analogue scale (VAS).
- THAM was infused, and ventilatory variables and VAS scores were compared pre- and post-administration.
Main Results:
- THAM administration corrected respiratory acidosis.
- Significant improvements in VAS scores (reduced dyspnea) were observed.
- Minute ventilation, respiratory frequency, and ventilatory drive significantly decreased.
Conclusions:
- THAM effectively alleviates dyspneic sensation associated with increased respiratory drive.
- THAM may be a potential therapeutic agent for severe dyspnea in hypercapnic patients.
