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Frequency and strength of the uterine contractions monitoring enables to control the labour progress and also, although in a restricted way, to determine the beginning of labour, as long as it is not preterm. Mechanical approach provides only the low frequency signal, which describes the contractions more or less accurately, depending on whether an intrauterine pressure measurement is used in the former case or whether an external stress measurement is applied in the latter case. This signal does not comprise information on contractions characteristics and enables only to estimate their basic timing parameters. Description of the electrophysiological properties may be obtained only by means of the uterine electrical signals measurement. In the following paper, the classical interpretation of the uterine contraction activity which relies upon its mechanical and electrical activity was presented. Additionally, the frequency parameters provided exclusively by the electrical signal were proposed. The possibility of the electrohysterogram analysis may provide more complete information on uterine muscle functioning. Results of the research studies show that further development of electrohysterography will enable its wider application in pregnancy and labour diagnostics.

Pedobarography has been used for measuring underfoot pressure during the standing and during the gait. It is a non-invasive method, valuable for foot diseases and defects diagnosing and treatment monitoring. Pedobarography is used in examination of children and adults feet. The authors have introduced the clinical possibility of employment of this method and proposed its use for foot examination in orthopaedics, traumatology, rehabilitation, rheumatology, diabetology and neurology.

Gastric tonometry is relatively non-invasive technique to assess gastric perfusion and to monitor oxygen metabolism in visceral system. The technique utilizes the PCO2 of the gastric fluid to calculate intramucosal pH (pHi). The calculation is assessed by a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The combination of a high intramural PCO2 and mucosal acidosis may result from decreased splanchnic perfusion. The values of pHi and regional PCO2 (PrCO2) based on gastric tonometry reflect indirect index of visceral blood flow. In clinical practice the PCO2 of the gastric fluid is collected from saline sampled in the penetrable by carbon dioxide balloon. The silicon balloon is a part of tonometric probe placed in the gastric lumen. Device TONOCAP (Datex-Ohmeda, Helsinki, Finland) allows for full automatic measurement of the carbon dioxide regional pressure (PrCO2). Presented experimental and clinical studies confirmed the usefulness of gastric tonometry in visceral blood perfusion assessment during perioperative and critical ill stage. Finally, the technique allows to decrease the number of complications, treatment expenses and mortality.

Assessment of the pulse character is one of the earliest recorded medical skills, but objective recordings of pulse waveform emerged only in the nineteenth century. This technique fell into disuse with the advent of the sphygmomanometer, but interest has recently been rekindled with the introduction of computer technology and high fidelity applanation tonometry. Sphygmocardiography is a non-invasive and accurate technology which utilizes tonometric analysis of the radial or carotid artery pulse wave and measurement of peripheral arterial blood pressure to derive a central arterial pulse wave, central arterial blood pressure and related indices. In clinical studies pulse wave analysis is a highly reproducible method and easy to apply. This measure provides important information about arterial stiffness and heart-vascular interactions. This technique may provides better cardiovascular risk assessment associated with increased arterial stiffness and allow treatment to be targeted to those most in need.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is the only non-invasive method for investigating the myoelectric activity of the stomach. The aim was to show the relations occurring between the electromyographic and manometric recordings during the normal and abnormal EGG rhythm. A simultaneous EGG recording and manometry were performed in 20 healthy people, in 26 patients with bradygastria (group I) and 21 with tachygastria (group II). In the control group, over 90% of the EGG recording time was in the range of normogastria. After a meal, there were observed a more than twofold increase in the EGG amplitude, an improvement in the recording stability with decrease in the dysarrhythmia percent, an increase in dominant frequency (DF) and a lowering in dominant frequency instability coefficient (DFIC). In groups I and II there was shown a considerable difference in the DF range, an increase in DFIC and the number of dysarrhythmia cases, the lack of correct increase in the amplitude and lowering in the average frequency of phasic contractions and motor indices (MI). Additionally in this group there was a fall in the amplitude of contractions without MMC, and this corroborates with weak contractile activity. There was a positive correlation between the EGG amplitude changes and amplitude of phasic contractions and MI and power ratios (PR) only in the phases I and II MMC. It suggests a relationship between the EGG amplitude and changes in the stomach position and its contraction activity. The lack of correlation between the average EGG frequencies of phasic contractions and the DF and DFIC values does not allowed to observe correlation between the frequency of the phasic contractions and EGG dominant frequency.

Many centers besides radiography and endoscopy, perform manometric measurements in the diagnostics of diseases concerning esophagus and cardia. They which allow to determine esophageal body peristalsis, LES length with spatial distribution of pressures (Vector Volume). The aim of our study was the estimation of usefulness the esophageal and cardial computed manometry in disorders concerning motor activity of the upper part of gastrointestinal tract. In our hospital between March 1997 and March 1998 we examined 12 patients with cardial achalasia, 9 patients with hiatal hernia, 2 ones with features of gastroesophageal reflux without hernia and 1 patient with diffuse esophageal spasm. All patients were examined preoperatively, on the 7th postoperative day and postoperatively--after a month. Computer recording of pressures was made. In postoperative examination we revealed favourable improvement in gastroesophageal passage with marked decrease of LES pressures in patients after dilation. However in patients after Nissen's operation LES pressures exceeded upper normal range on the 7th day postoperatively, but they came back to normal range within a month after operation.

There are still many problems in the selection of hydrocephalic patients for the shunt treatment. Many investigations focus to find out a new and reliable prognostic factors including the parameters of lumbar infusion test (LIT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the B waves observed during the LIT, and to assess the prognostic value of the B waves in hydrocephalic patients. 153 patients with communicating hydrocephalus (ventricular index > or = 0.8) were assessed by means of the LIT. B waves were detected in 70 patients (45.8%). Primary assessment was verified by the Fourier analysis. The relationship was analysed between B waves and the resistance to outflow (R), new steady state pressure (Pns) and the standard deviation of the Pns (SDPns). The results of treatment depending on the presence of B waves were assessed in 95 shunted patients (two categories: improved/not improved). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistically 5.1 for Windows. Chi square test, Mann Whitney U-test, and the Student T test were applied (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant relationship between B waves and the increasing values of R (p = 0.0002), Pns (p = 0.0002) and SDPns (p = 0.0000). Positive prognostic value of the B waves was found in the group of 95 shunted patients (p = 0.0152). 1. B waves during LIT appear significantly more often in patients with increasing compensation impairment. 2. B waves detected in LIT have a good prognostic value in hydro-cephalic patients.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study is evaluating the efficiency of intraoperative manometry during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and its ability to prevent postoperative complications., Method: Sixteen patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease were included in the study. Clinical examinations, x-ray, endoscopy, pH-metry, and manometric studies were performed before, and 3-6 m.o. after surgery. Fourteen patients were undergoing Nissen fundoplication, and two "floppy Nissen" fundoplications due to the specific preoperative manometric indications., Results: Postoperatively the mean proportion of time at pH < 4.0 on pH-metry decreased from 188 min. (range 96-263) to 8.5 min. (range 2-25). Mean number of reflux episodes significantly lowered after fundoplication from 18.9 (range 2-36) to 0.5 (range 0-3). Gastroesophageal junction mean pressure measured postoperatively reached 24.7 mmHg, and was significantly higher than preoperatively (8.9 mmHg). Mean length of LES increased from 1.2 cm (range 0.8-2.5) to 3.6 cm (range 2.4-4.6) postoperatively., Conclusions: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication assisted by the simultaneous continuous intraoperative manometry is feasible and effective procedure. Continuous LES pressure monitoring during laparoscopic fundoplication with simultaneous computer-video assisted display can be advised as an objective method of intraoperative evaluation of antireflux mechanism.

Emed-system is used for assessment of pressure distribution under the foot at standing and walking since 1985. The method is non-invasive, useful in diagnosing and monitoring of treatment for foot disorders both in children and adults. It may be utilized in orthopedics, traumatology, rehabilitation, rheumathology and diabetology.

A new pneumohydraulic water manometer for measuring pressure generated in the pharynx and oesophagus during swallowing was presented. It consists of measuring and pneumatic parts and a computer.

The authors evaluated the morphology of nasal cavities and nasal patency using active anterior rhinomanometry in 94 children (mean age 10.2 years). Complete bilateral primary and secondary cleft palate was confirmed in 28 children (29.8%), unilateral in 66 children (70.2%), where complete right-side primary and secondary cleft palate was observed in 19 children (28.8%) and complete left side primary and secondary cleft palate in 47 children (71.2%). Measurement methods were used according to Rhinomanometric Standardization Committee. Significant relationship between nasal patency examined using active anterior rhinomanometry and complete cleft palate was confirmed. High, symmetric resistance of nasal airflow was observed in children with complete bilateral primary and secondary cleft palate. Children with complete unilateral primary and secondary cleft palate were found to have asymmetric nasal airflow, higher on the cleft side. In this group mean nasal airflow resistance was higher on non-cleft side than in population without defects, whereas on clefted side it is approximal to population without defects. In children with complete bilateral primary and secondary cleft palate mean resistances distribution was symmetric but higher than in population without defects.

The aim of this study was to compare rhinomanometric results with patient's assessment of nasal patency, frequency of sneezing, nasal secretion, and results of anterior rhinoscopy, 34 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were examined. Correlations of medium degree were found between the rhinomanometric results and both the patient's assessment of nasal patency and the results of anterior rhinoscopy. No correlations were found between rhinomanometric results and either sneezing or nasal secretion. This might suggest that values measured by rhinomanometry are not closely enough connected with those measured by other methods and thus rhinomanometry can neither replace nor be replaced with any other of the analysed methods for assessing upper airway status.

This study was carried out as an attempt to evaluate the relationship between the results of nasal patency examinations and selected anthropometric measurements of nasal cavities in children with complete primary and secondary cleft palate. The examined group consisted of 130 children with cleft palate treated by means of surgery in early childhood owing to their clefts. Concerning the diagnostic methods the study group was divided into two subgroups. Group I consisted of 75 children in whom face photographs in frontal and axial projections towards the external nasal aperture were analysed. Group II consisted of 55 children in whom by means of P-A teleradiography projection the total area, the maximum height and width of nasal cavity were measured separately for the side with cleft and without cleft. The assessment of nasal patency tests using the objective method--active anterior rhinomanometry was carried out.

A well know good relation between nasal and oesophageal inspiratory pressures exists in healthy and in COPD patients "sniff manoeuvres. Similar results are obtained using "gasp" maneuvers. The aim of the study was to appreciate the usefulness of "gasp" for evaluation of inspiratory muscles strength in ILD patients. 18 ILD patients were examined: group A consisted of 9 pts (8M+IF) aged 35 +/- 8.6 yrs, with static compliance > 70% pred. (mean 98.6 +/- 16.3), group B consisted of 9 pts (6M + 3F) (aged 52 +/- 13.0) with static compliance < 70% pred. (mean 37.2 +/- 12.0), Pmo and Poe (Milic-Emili method) were measured simultaneously during breathing with Pflex device (1.7 mm diameter). Results were stored in a computer for further analysis. In all patients spirometry, plethysmography and maximal inspiratory (MIP) and maximal expiratory (MEP) pressure measurements were performed. Poe and Pmo in group A were nearly the same (8.16 +/- 1.82 vs. 8.35 +/- 2.74 kPa), but in the group B Pmo was lower than Poe (4.81 +/- 1.59 vs. 6.19 +/- 2.03 kPa; p < 0.0005). We conclude that "gasp" - Pmo is a useful method for inspiratory muscle strength measurement only in ILD patients with normal static compliance but in ILD patients with decreased compliance "gasp" - Poe measurement in necessary.

The aim of the study was the clinical examinations of the tolerance and effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers during permanent 4 weeks administration. 23 healthy volunteers both sexes in the age between 20-50 were investigated. This investigations consisted of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination, with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, olfactometry, saccharin translocation time, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. Besides, each patient has follow up self evaluating chart of symptoms and adverse effect from the eyes, nose, pharynx and others. All the examined persons showed a very good tolerance of Olbas oil after 28 days of inhalation.

Rhinomanometry is the most applied method of evaluation of nasal patency in the world. In the study the authors present application of rhinomanometry in the diagnosis of the nose disease. On own material the authors introduce the technique of rhinomanometry and interpretation of its results.

20 patients suffering from nasal potency disturbances were carefully clinically (including self-assessment) and rhinomanometrically evaluated before and after surgical treatment. Surgery brought sufficient improvement in nasal potency and long term relief in clinical symptoms in most of the patients. Cases with only temporal release were strictly analysed. We would like to emphasize the importance to employ both surgery and accompanying conservative treatment to cure these patients with significant functional contribution.

Indications to manometric measurements in patients complaining for esophageal disorders are discussed. Such symptoms most frequently include: dysphagia, heartburn, and angina-like pain after exclusion of the coronary artery disease. Radiological and endoscopic examinations should precede esophageal motility measurements to eliminate organic causes of patients' complaints. Initial manometric measurements may be repeated after the application of pharmacologic stimuli or functional tests. Most frequent esophageal motor disorders have been described.

In 134 patients with essential hypertension 24-hour blood pressure ambulatory monitoring (ABPM) as well as traditional blood pressure measurements (casual BP) were performed. Maximal and mean whole-day systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in ABPM were compared with casual BP (using test t). The casual BP was also compared with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values calculated separately in three eight-hours periods of day. Maximal BP values in ABPM were significantly higher and mean significantly lower than casual BP values. Blood pressure registered during work hours was closest to casual BP values. Blood pressure in the evening was similar to whole-day blood pressure mean. The results indicate, that automatic blood pressure monitoring performed in this period of day has the greatest diagnostic value because it could be free from "white coat hypertension" syndrome.

The value of indirect blood pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation was studied. Three methods were compared; single measurement, mean of three measurements and mean value of automatic measurement during 2-hours and whole day. The study comprised 13 patients; 7 men and 6 women aged 52-77 (mean 62.8 congruent to 6.6) hospitalized for cardiac diseases. The measurement were done using the mercury sphygmomanometer and auscultatory Korotkoff technique and automatic blood pressure monitoring (Acutracker--Medilog Oxford). The investigations showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure during 24-hours monitoring were lower than single or repeated three measurements. The highest correlation coefficient to 24-hours recording was found for the mean value of 2-hours recording. It seems that blood pressure measurement in patients with atrial fibrillation (3-times in few minutes intervals) should be verified by using prolonged automatic recording.

Endoscopic manometric technique was used to investigate the effects of spasmolytic drugs on the sphincter of Oddi (s.O.) motility. 41 patients were randomly divided into 4 groups. In every patient the characteristics of the s.O. was monitored before and during 5 min. period after i.v. administration of: 20 mg buscopan, 1 mg glucagon, 40 mg papaverine or 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. After buscopan administration the amplitude and frequency of phasic contractions of the s.O. were decreased as well as a baseline pressure in the s.O. Glucagon reduced frequency and amplitude of phasic contractions of the s.O. without influencing the baseline pressure. Papaverine reduced only frequency of phasic contractions. Physiological saline caused no change in pressure characteristics of the s.O.

Sphygmomanometer--S is the microcomputer device measuring blood pressure (BP) by the noninvasive sphygmooscillographic method following standard algorithm. When compared sphygmomanometer--S with auscultatory method, this device overestimated systolic BP by 7 mm Hg, and underestimated diastolic BP by 9 mm Hg on the average. In other words, sphygmomanometer--S overestimated systolic pressure and lowers diastolic pressure in relation to auscultatory method in the same ratio and value, as the direct method in relation to the auscultatory method. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of the results obtained by sphygmomanometer--S, with simultaneously recorded radial artery pressure by direct method. In 15 patients 27-60 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery BP was measured by sphygmomanometer--S and direct method simultaneously on the same left upper extremity. We measured direct radial artery pressure using AE 840 Nycotron transducer and Philips amplifier. BP by sphygmomanometer--S was obtained on the same left arm using cuffs of size 11 x 24 cm and 13 x 35 cm. In 15 patients 124 pairs of BP measurement were carried out with sphygmomanometer--S and direct method. The regression equation for systolic, diastolic and mean pressure demonstrated the coincidence of the BP results obtained by sphygmomanometer--S with direct method. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.97 for systolic, 0.90 for diastolic and 0.92 for mean pressure. Systolic and diastolic pressure measured by the sphygmomanometer--S were 2 mm Hg and mean 0.6 mm Hg higher on the average, than the same pressures obtained by direct method (ryc. 1). These differences were statistically not significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sphygmomanometer S is the microcomputer device measuring blood pressure for (BP) on the basis of amplitude height and morphology of pulse waves, registered by the pulse converter placed in the air system of a cuff. The letter S stands the sphygmo-oscillographic method used in BP measurement (11). Sphygmomanometer S may be used to determine BP in infants, babies, children and adults (9, 10, 11, 12). The BP measurement results obtained in this way approximate the results of a direct method (1, 3, 8, 14). In order to carry out the simultaneous BP measurement by the sphygmo-oscillographic and the ascultatory methods, sphygmomanometer S was connected trough a manufactured Y-shaped joint with the aneroid-sphygmomanometer manufactured by INCO. This type of connection enabled the measurement to be realized with one cuff and both sphygmomanometers coincidentally. The measurement results of the systolic, diastolic and mean pressures, determined by the sphygmo-oscillographic method, were read from the sphygmomanometer S digital display. At the same time, the Korotkov tones were listened to through the stethscope placed over the brachial artery. The first phase of Korotkov tones was considered to be the systolic pressure while the fourth phase was the diastolic one. The mean pressure is determined by the sphygmomanometer S on the basis of the pulse wave peak amplitudes. In other words, pressure in the cuff, corresponding to the peak pulse waves, is the mean. However, in the ausculatory method, the mean pressure was calculated from the formula; Pm = Pd + 0,4 (Ps-Pd) where 'Pm is the mean pressure, Pd--the diastolic pressure and Ps the systolic pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Urodynamic measurements including sphincterometry and cystometry were made in 36 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Out of this number in 32 affected with SUI of stages I, II and III surgical treatment was applied. Control group were 7 women without SUI symptoms. Marshall-Marchetti operation in the modification of Durfée or of Burch was made in the space of Retzius. The procedure was followed by simultaneous pararectal suturing of the wedges of levator ani muscle. The mean values of urodynamic measurements were compared using Student's "t" test and paired test. No evident difference was found when average values of pre-operative +cystic manometry were compared in particular groups of patients using statistical analysis. Sphincterometry made in women who had been effectively operated on showed statistically significant higher values of urethral closure pressure. Higher values of post-operative urodynamic measurements can speak for a complete recovery of the patients.

Nasal passages constitute the physiologic airway. Impaired nasal breathing leads to various disease states. History taking and rhinoscopic examination are not sufficient for the complete evaluation of nasal respiratory patency. The authors present a case for introduction of posterior rhinomanometry (own modification) as an objective method in studying nasal patency in children, 127 healthy children (aged 5-10 years) were examined. Nasal resistance to air flow was measured. Posterior rhinomanometry was used in 198 children with impaired nasal patency of various causes. The results obtained in this study are reproducible and in accord with data in the literature. Children between 5 and 10 years of age cooperate well with the examiner. The authors find posterior rhinomanometry suitable for examination of children within this age group.

Continuous measurements of intracranial, pressure were conducted by the extradural method in 40 patients with various types of skull trauma. A correlation was demonstrated between the value of this pressure and the clinical condition of the patient only with high values of the pressure, in which nearly always wave-like pressure changes were observed. The occurrence of wave-like changes was a more reliable sign of threatening cranial hypertension than the value of intracranial pressure. Continuous measurement of pressure during intravenous administration of glycerol demonstrated that a significant fall of pressure preceded the regression of clinical signs of intracranial hypertension.