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Nowadays, childhood cancer patients survive much more often than they did 40 years ago. Therefore, the cure rates rise over 80%. Approximately 33,000 cured childhood cancer patients are documented by the German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR) for long-term follow-up in Germany. But does that mean, they are healthy, too? When compared to the normal population, it can be seen that morbidity and mortality are significantly higher among former childhood cancer patients. In two out of three survivors, the cancer and its treatments can lead to treatment-related late complications 30 years later; in about one-third, these late complications are classified as severe. A structured long-term follow-up is needed to detect and to treat new diseases early. The purpose of this position paper is to update the first position paper from 2007. Current developments are described, how appropriate aftercare structures and aftercare facilities should be planned, taking into account existing structures and increasing needs.Krebskranke Kinder und Jugendliche überleben heute dank Heilungsraten von über 80% viel häufiger ihre Krebserkrankung als vor 40 Jahren. Etwa 33 000 geheilte ehemalige krebskranke Kinder und Jugendliche sind in der Langzeitbeobachtung über das Deutsche Kinderkrebsregister (DKKR) bundesweit erfasst. Heißt geheilt aber auch gesund? Beim Vergleich mit der Normalbevölkerung ist festzustellen, dass die Morbidität und Mortalität bei den ehemaligen Patienten deutlich erhöht ist. Die Krebserkrankungen und deren Behandlungen können bei zwei von drei Überlebenden 30 Jahre später zu therapiebedürftigen Spätfolgen führen, bei etwa einem Drittel werden sie als schwer eingestuft. Mittels einer strukturierten Nachbeobachtung können diese frühzeitig erkannt und bei Bedarf behandelt werden. Ziel dieses Positionspapiers ist eine Aktualisierung des ersten Positionspapiers aus dem Jahre 2007. Hierbei werden die aktuellen Entwicklungen beschrieben und dargestellt, wie geeignete Nachsorgestrukturen und Nachsorgeeinrichtungen – unter Berücksichtigung der bestehenden Strukturen und dem steigenden Bedarf – geplant werden sollten.

Taxen-based chemotherapy has been established as an effective treatment option in castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC). Randomized phase III studies, however, have shown that even in the hormone-naïve metastatic state, the early use of chemotherapy in addition to the classical androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) approach leads to a significant increase in median overall survival.This position paper aims to provide current data and orientation in the evidence-based treatment of mPC patients in daily clinical practice.A German group of clinical experts analyzed the current data and developed criteria for the treatment of mPC patients in daily clinical practice.In the current treatment of hormone-naïve mPC, a beneficial effect of chemotherapy in addition to ADT has become evident. Provided patients are in an appropriate condition, those with a high metastatic load should receive chemotherapy in addition to ADT. Especially in high-risk mCRPC patients (PSA114 ng/ml, visceral metastasis, ADT response12 months, tumor-associated complaints), first-line chemotherapy is indicated. After docetaxel failure, continuous treatment with cabazitaxel shows superior overall survival compared to sustained antihormonal therapy.Chemotherapy is firmly established in treating patients with mCRPC. Long-term, it will be important to identify molecular predictors. The authors suggest the early use of chemotherapy in hormone-naïve mPC, but note that the approval in this indication is currently nonexistent. After disease progression, patients should be treated analogous to mCRPC.

The technique of active urinary endoscopic vacuum therapy (uEVT) is described. The surgical technique is demonstrated in detail with the help of a video of the operation and which is available online. Vesical fistulas are a rare complication following rectal surgery. The EVT technique is a novel method for treatment of gastrointestinal leakage. This endoscopic procedure has been adapted to treat a large bladder defect after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum with urine flowing out of the perineal wound.A new open-pore film drainage (OFD) catheter with an external diameter of only a few millimeters has been developed and is constructed from a very thin open-pore double-layered film and a drainage tube. The OFD was inserted into the bladder by means of flexible endoscopy and channeled out through a suprapubic incision. Continuous suction was applied with an electronic vacuum pump to actively drain the urine completely. A passive catheter drainage of urine from the renal pelvis via transurethral single J stent was carried out simultaneously during the complete duration of treatment. The healing process was monitored during and after therapy by intravesical endoscopy.The application of continuous negative pressure via the OFD resulted in total collapse of the bladder. The urine in the bladder was actively and permanently drained through the OFD. Urine leakage from the perineal wound stopped immediately after induction of suction. After 18 days of treatment with the uEVT the bladder defect was healed. After therapy and removal of the catheters the patient had normal micturition.A novel small-bore OFD has been developed for EVT. The OFD technique now allows endoscopic application of negative pressure in the bladder. This first successful experience proves uEVT to be a potent interventional alternative in the treatment of bladder defects.

In Germany and throughout Europe, medicinal products for adults have been developed and evaluated systematically for decades. Medicinal products for children and adolescents, however, have only been researched for the past ten years. As a result, many medicinal products have been administered to children without systematic clinical trials, for example regarding dosage or pharmaceutical form.EU Regulation 1901/2006 aimes to close the gaps in the medical treatment of children and adolescents. In order to do so, the regulation provides for paediatric use marketing authorisations (PUMA) for previously authorised products no longer covered by intellectual property rights and also grants holders of such PUMA licenses further property rights. However, only two PUMA licenses have been applied for. Thus, the PUMA license instrument is hardly being used despite the fact that many medicinal products have a great potential for closing medical gaps for children and adolescents.In order to improve the situation regarding medicinal products for children and adolescents, this scientific symposium "More Medicines for Minors" intended to promote dialogue among the parties involved and to provide an opportunity to discuss reasons for the reluctance to apply for PUMA licenses. Speakers specialised in paediatric and adolescent medicine as well as those from licensing authorities, the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G‑BA), the pharmaceutical industry and the federal ministries presented problems and possible solutions from their point of view with the aim of making the PUMA license instrument more attractive.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder with an increasing prevalence. Affected individuals suffer from a repetitive partial or complete occlusion of the pharyngeal airway despite continued respiratory efforts leading to sleep fragmentation, abnormal gas exchange and significant cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity. Surgical patients with OSA, which in the majority of cases has not been diagnosed prior to surgery, have an increased risk of developing a variety of pulmonary, cardiovascular and other complications throughout the perioperative period. Certain actions may contribute to increase the safety of patients with OSA during this time. Among them are preoperatively, a timely recognition and assessment of OSA and potentially co-existing diseases, intraoperatively, the selection of an appropriate anaesthesia and monitoring technique, and postoperatively, the continuation of monitoring for an adequate period of time with the option of intensive care treatment. The actual clinical approach should follow the risk profile of the individual patient which is determined by OSA severity, invasiveness of the surgical procedure and requirement for postoperative opioids as well as the incidence of critical events in the early postoperative period. Initiated and mandated by the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and conceived on the basis of the available literature and existing guidelines, the following paper provides recommendations for the perioperative management of adult patients with OSA in ENT surgery.

Position Paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - Current State of Clinical and Endoscopic Diagnostics, Evaluation, and Therapy of Swallowing Disorders in Children and AdultsSwallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration induced pneumonia and malnutrition. On the other hand quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities.Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatrists, are asked for diagnostics and therapy who will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings.A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom oriented treatment is necessary for the mostly complex disorders. The integration of non-medical personnel such as logopeds (speech language pathologists), physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over by them in close cooperation.In particular an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff from intensive care medicine is indispensable.The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists.Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently substitution of the physician is precluded.Schluckstörungen sind häufig. Sie können zu erhöhter Mortalität durch aspirationsbedingte Lungenkomplikationen und Mangelernährung einerseits sowie einer erheblichen Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität andererseits führen. Die demografische Entwicklung in Deutschland lässt einen kontinuierlichen Anstieg der Dysphagie in den kommenden Jahren erwarten. Schwerpunkte sind dabei neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, die Tumoren im Verlauf der Schluckstraße und die Folgen der Tumorbehandlung im oberen Aerodigestivtrakt.Vorrangig sind die Ärzte aus dem HNO-Bereich und der Phoniatrie als kompetente Fachgruppen zentrale Ansprechpartner für die Diagnostik und Therapieplanung der Dysphagie.Die meist komplexen Störungen verlangen eine differenzierte Anamnese, Diagnostik und eine symptomorientierte Behandlung.Das Einbeziehen auch von nicht-ärztlichen Fachgruppen wie Logopäden, Physiotherapeuten und Ergotherapeuten in die Planung einer effizienten Therapie erweitert und komplettiert die kompetente patientenzentrierte Betreuung. Die konservative Dysphagietherapie durch Logopäden und ähnliche Fachgruppen ist, auch längerfristig, ein wichtiges Standbein der Behandlung. Zudem können Anteile der spezifischen Diagnostik in enger Kooperation übernommen werden.Eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit insbesondere mit den intensivmedizinischen neurologischen und internistischen Fachgruppen ist erforderlich.Die in diesem Positionspapier beschriebenen Verfahren der speziellen Endoskopie gehören zu den originären ärztlichen Leistungen, vornehmlich der Fachärzte für Hals-, Nasen-, und Ohrenheilkunde bzw. für Sprach-, Stimm- und kindliche Hörstörungen (Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie).Die Endoskopie ist eine ärztliche Leistung, die grundsätzlich nicht delegierbar ist „In keinem Fall delegierbar sind Leistungen der Endoskopie (außer Kapselendoskopien, die durch speziell ausgebildete nichtärztliche Mitarbeiter geführt werden können) und der Sonografie“ siehe 278. Entsprechend ist eine Substitution des Arztes ausgeschlossen.

This study examined the degree and manner of involving parents in the treatment of dyslexic children. The study also identified therapeutic variables predicting the extent of parent involvement and the reasons for any instances of failed involvement.A sample of 53 out of 120 randomly selected German dyslexia therapists (response rate: 44 %) filled out a paper-pencil questionnaire assessing the degree and manner of parent involvement in the treatment of dyslexic children. Furthermore, therapists' attitudes toward parent involvement and their subjective competence when working with parents were assessed.The most common forms of parent involvement occurred during anamnesis and when drawing up recommendations for home exercises. The therapists' attitudes toward working with parents predicted the extent of parent involvement (β = .58). There was a significant correlation between working with parents and the subjective competence of the therapist (r = .28), which was mediated by therapists' attitudes toward parent involvement. Disinterest on the part of parents and therapists' lack of time proved to be reasons for less parent involvement.Despite declared positive attitudes toward working with parents, the involvement of parents in the therapeutic process by therapists was limited.Fragestellung: Ziel vorliegender Studie war eine erste Erhebung der derzeitigen Praxis der Zusammenarbeit mit Eltern im Rahmen von außerschulischen Übungsbehandlungen lese- und rechtschreibschwacher Schüler. Formen und Bedingungsfaktoren geleisteter Elternarbeit sowie mögliche Gründe für das Scheitern einer Zusammenarbeit sollten identifiziert werden. Methodik: Ein Paper-Pencil-Fragebogen diente der Erhebung von Ausmaß und Form praktizierter Elternarbeit. Zudem wurden die Einstellung der Therapeuten zur Elternpartizipation und deren subjektive Kompetenz hinsichtlich der Zusammenarbeit mit Eltern erfasst. Die Fragebögen wurden bundesweit an eine Zufallsstichprobe von 120 LRS-Therapeuten versandt (Rücklaufquote: 44 %). Ergebnisse: Die häufigsten genannten Formen der Elternpartizipation waren der Einbezug der Eltern in die Erhebung der Anamnese und das Geben von Hinweisen für das Üben zu Hause. Die Einstellung der Therapeuten gegenüber Elternarbeit prädizierte bedeutsam das Ausmaß der Elternpartizipation (β = .58). Es bestand ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen Elternarbeit und subjektiver Kompetenz der Therapeuten (r = .28), welcher über die Einstellung der Therapeuten mediiert wurde. Ein Desinteresse der Eltern sowie ein Zeitmangel seitens der Fachpersonen sind aus Sicht der Therapeuten Gründe für das geringe Durchführen von Elternarbeit. Diskussion: Im Gegensatz zu der insgesamt positiven Einstellung der Therapeuten zu Elternarbeit werden die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten der Elternpartizipation in der Praxis relativ selten und einseitig genutzt.

The concept of "participation" and the demand for the use of "participative methods" in human, healthcare, nursing and gerontological research as well as the corresponding fields of practice are in great demand; however, the targets and organization of "participation" are not always sufficiently explicated. The working group on critical gerontology of the German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics uses this phenomenon as an opportunity for positioning and develops a catalogue of criteria for reflection and assessment of participation of elderly people in science and practice, which can also be considered a stimulus for further discussions.

The most common morphological changes in 485 of our ambulatory patients were found on external examination of the anal region (46%). These changes included erosions, fissur and eczema. Regarding the symptoms the predominant complaints were itching and burning in 42.1%. Anal hygiene after defaecation was most commonly done with dry toilet-paper (55%). A change in anal hygiene after defaecation relieves symptoms: By changing from water to moist toilet paper in 9%, from dry toilet paper to moist toilet paper in 30%, from moist toilet paper to water in 32%, an from dry toilet paper to water in 60%. These results confirm known facts regarding the influences of conserving agents an printing materials in dry (often recycled) and moist toilet papers on the skin. These side-effects to be even more pronounced in the compromised skin and suggest that anal hygiene should be done with water only.

Antihormonal and cytotoxic therapy options are available for the therapy of metastasized prostate cancer (mPC). Because no comparative studies are available, especially for castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRCP), it remains unclear which patients will profit best from which therapy.Previous data on the sequence of the various therapy options show that correct selection of the first line therapy for mCRPC can have an influence on the prognosis of the patient. In this position paper the various therapy options are critically illustrated and the clinical and pathohistological criteria for selection of the first line therapy of mCRPC are discussed.Molecular markers are an important aid for future patient selection and individualized therapy for optimal use of the available forms of therapy.

The incidence for dysphagia amounts to 44-50% in nursing homes. Dysphagia is one of the main reasons for pneumonia in elderly.Consensus paper.For the advisory board consisting of 2 physicians, 2 pharmacists, a speech therapist, and a respresentative of nursing service it is common understanding that for the ideal maintenance and support of patients with dysphagia an interdisciplinary approach is crucial. Despite high clinical relevance of dysphagia the basic knowledge of this field is often underdeveloped. Specific and validated screening procedures for dysphagia have to be developed and implemented into the relevant guidelines. Specifically in this field an active and discipline spanning risk management should find its way into stationary geriatric care and nursing homes. Just as important is the provision of necessary patient information on the progress of the disease, on therapeutic actions and possible diet forms in a dysphagia pass. Additionally, the mentioned disciplines require an online risk screening (for dysphagia) of the pharmacist concerning the overall medication as well as information of galenic properties like facts regarding the possibility of crushing, portioning or tube feeding of the prescribed medication. In this way health risks due to administration errors concerning the medication can be significantly reduced for this patient group. Adequate oral liquids for adapted application of drugs are missing so far.

Dementia is an increasing challenge for care providers in nursing homes and hospitals. Since the 1980s, special acute care units in nursing homes have developed rapidly. In Germany, the first unit in a hospital opened in 1990. In 2013, there were 22 units.In the following paper, the German Geriatric Society ("Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie e. V.") recommends basic standards for these wards.The basic standards for these wards include the following: a maximum of 20 beds, an area physically separated from the geriatric hospital department, their own dayroom and therapy room, a structured daily routine suitable for patients with dementia, the selection of permanent staff on a voluntary basis, specialized training, extended geriatric assessment, and special consideration of the background and social situation of the patients.

Infections due to pneumococci especially in the elderly are vastly underestimated, e.g., because non-invasive infections such as pneumonia may appear with only few symptoms. Sequential vaccination with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13, followed by the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, is considered as the best preventive measure for individual protection, even though clinical study data demonstrating the efficacy of this sequence are not yet available. Increase of "awareness" by use of computer-based reminder functions may result in a significant improvement of vaccination compliance.

Two different measurement techniques of ultrasonograms of the infant hip were evaluated with respect to reproducibility of the Graf classification and variation of α- and β-angles.In a cross-sectional, blinded study, the hips of 207 consecutive newborn babies (101 male; 106 female) were sonographically screened at an average of 2.64 days after birth. Each hip was measured twice by three investigators with different levels of experience - a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, a senior surgeon and a trained medical student. A mobile ultrasound system (SONOLINE G60S®, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer, was used. Both hip joints were measured twice by all three investigators. The measurement was performed 6-8 weeks later in a blinded manner. The sonograms were initially printed out on high-quality paper strips and measured by pencil, ruler and goniometer. Finally, each investigator evaluated the same sonograms computer-assisted, using the trackball and dashboard of the ultrasound system.Concerning intraobserver reliability, we observed a significant reduction of variation both for α- and β-angles in favour of the classic measurement on printed strips (p0.05). The interobserver calculation also detected a trend for higher angle variation when the angles were measured electronically. The reproducibility of Graf classification was not influenced by the kind of measurement technique. The outcome was not affected by investigator's level of experience (p0.05).This study demonstrated considerable advantages for the classic measurement of paediatric hip ultrasonograms with pencil and goniometer on printed paper strips compared to computer-aided measurement concerning variation of α- and β-angles.

In this study a computer-assisted cognitive training programme (CAT) was compared to a paper-pencil-cognitive training and evaluated in psychiatric patients for its effects on neuropsychological parameters, mood and dysfunctional cognitions.A total of 29 subjects were randomized either to the computer group or the paper-pencil group. Both groups underwent 20 sessions cognitive training. At the beginning and at the end of the training, both groups were given neuropsychological tests (memory, attention, concentration and information processing speed) and also questionnaires to assess depressive mood, thoughts, negative self communication and locus of control.At the start of the study, both the groups were comparable in demographic, diagnostic, neuropsychological and almost cognitive parameters. Compared to the baseline values, only the computer group improves significantly in mood and increases its positive self-verbalisation. In both groups no remarkable changes were found in the neuropsychological parameters.According to these results a computer-assisted cognitive training programme might primarily have a positive influence on mood than in parameters of performance and thus could be a very interesting therapeutic tool in the treatment of psychiatric patients.

The relevance of endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is on a constant rise. However, specific aspects of the treatment of geriatric patients have only been tackled to a rather limited extent so far. The present contribution pinpoints illustratively the status quo on this issue and provides directions for further research which should be conducted in future studies supported by the working group on geriatric gastroenterology.

Klein had been asked to contribute an article to the birthday number of the International Journal for Jones. The author outlines how she hurriedly wrote a text about Don Juan which, however, was rejected by the editor. Essential parts of it are presented in German translation. The manuscript is discussed in the context of Klein's published work as well as of the relevant contemporary literature. In Klein's view, Don Juan's genitality is determined by oral impulses and fears. By his manic acting out he attempts to ward off a depressive break-down. The paper ends with some reflections about why Klein--ontrary to her intention--failed to revise her manuscript for later publication.

This report investigates the equivalence of the computerized version of the WILDE intelligence test (WIT) and its paper-and-pencil analog in a group of occupationally reorienting adults at the Leipzig Vocational Retraining Centre (Berufsförderungswerk Leipzig). In particular, the normative as well as the structural equivalence of the two test formats (paper-and-pencil vs. computer) were examined. The results indicate that both test formats are measuring the same construct, i. e., the two tests are structurally equivalent. Significant differences in mean for the total scores of most of the WIT subtests favour separate standardization of the computerized test format.

The influence of demographic parameter, the number of different drugs or the frequency of the single doses on the reliability of compliance was subject in different studies. The goal of this investigation was to examine the influence of the drug package information paper on the compliance of neurological-psychiatric patients. 951 patients of one quarter of a neurological-psychiatric practice were given a questionnaire, which examined the income behavior and the estimate of the meaning of the drug package information paper. 352 patients answered the questionnaires. Only 15.6 % refused it to answer the questionnaire. The remaining were not able to answer because of different reasons (dementia, aphasia, acute psychiatric disorders, foreign language origin, immobility, etc.). 98.1 % considered the drug package information paper to be important. Older patients and patients with lower education degree judged the drug package information paper to be too extensive. Only few patients (11.5 %) let the physician explain the drug package information paper. 86.3 % of the patients assumed the medication prescribed by the physician to be correct. 58.1 % of the patients however were not satisfied with the information by the physician. Patients with neuroses were particularly dissatisfied over the clearing-up by the physician (77.3 %). 73.3 % of the patients were deterred from taking in their medicines occasionally or frequently by the side effects described in the drug package information paper. 59.9 % of the patients would take the medicine, if the physician insisted on it. Independently of the influence of the drug package information paper 57.5 % of the patients forgot to take their medicines occasionally or frequently. Patients with epilepsies and M. Parkinson were most compliant. In summary the investigation showed that the clearing-up only by the drug package information paper in contrast to the clearing-up by the physician leads to more non-compliance.

Some of the commonly used presumptive test reagents for identification of blood and semen could affect the recovery or the analysis of high-molecular-weight DNA from evidentiary samples. The study presents data on restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses from blood and semen stains treated with Hemastix (Bayer Diagnostics), Sangur (Boehringer) and Phosphatesmo-KM-paper (Macherey-Nagel). The results demonstrate that the three tests examined do not have any effect on quality and quantity of the DNA nor on DNA typing by RFLP and PCR analyses. In conclusion, presumptive testing of blood and semen stains using Hemastix, Sangur, or Phosphatesmo paper can principally be carried out prior to submission to DNA analysis. In spite of these findings, it is recommended to continue the prudent practice of testing only small portions of an evidentiary stain in order to prevent contamination.

A simple method for stimulation of human or murine lymphocytes is described. As a possible more rapid test than the standard estimation of [3H]-thymidine uptake after solubilisation of cell sediments, paper strip counting in a liquid scintillation counter was studied in 80 individuals and 20 mice. Counting efficiency approaches 1%, the reproducibility is good within the acceptable 16% range.

The term "ergophthalmology", coined on the occasion of the 20th International Congress of Ophthalmology in Munich in 1966, denotes a subject, which is concerned with vision and work, and which comprises four main areas: (1) eye damage caused at work by occupational diseases and industrial accidents; (2) medical opinion on the consequences of damage, for various purposes; (3) assessment of the fitness of the visually handicapped subject for work, with regard to rehabilitation; (4) analysis of demands made on visual performance and on conditions at workplaces. The problems we are confronted with in the individual area overlap one another. However, cooperation with many related disciplines is often indispensable. These can include not only a variety of medical disciplines, but also technical and scientific disciplines, as well as the humanities, economics and jurisprudence; and last not least, education and medical training. The ophthalmologist's first responsibility is to treat eye damage and subsequently to insure rehabilitation; but he should also cooperate in the prevention of damage and the vocational rehabilitation of people, who have suffered eye damage. Moreover, as far as visual functions are concerned, his opinion regarding the suitability of an individual for certain occupation and activities is of major importance. Occupations involving work at display units are an example of immediate interest. The ophthalmologist's advice may often be very useful with regard to the design and furnishing of workplaces and workrooms. Finally, in giving a medical opinion, questions of relationships and the extent of the damage have to be dealt with; these are largely a question of ophthalmological experience and knowledge.

Reference values for screening parameters, evaluating the shape of flow-volume-curves on forced expiration, were calculated from measurements in 1127 healthy subjects aged between 13 and 72 years. The following parameters were determined by means of the electronic spirometer pneumo-test: 1. the peak flow value Vmax, 2. the whole time constant tauges of the flow volume diagram and its components tau1 and tau2 from the upper and the lower part of the flow volume curve, 3. the most frequent time constant taumax in the distribution function of time constants. In relation to age Vmax-values show a maximum at 35 years and a significant decrease in younger and older subjects. Values in women are significant smaller than in men throughout the range of age. The time constants tauges and tau1 decrease significantly with increase in age. Differences between females and males are not statistically significant for these parameters. The time constants tau2 and taumax are age-independent. Their mean values are identical in all age decades and in women significantly smaller than in man.