title: Adaptations in the diaphragm's in vitro force-length relationship in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
abstract: In patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for more than 6 wk, we measured functional residual capacity (FRC), maximum inspiratory and transdiaphragmatic pressure, diaphragm length, and radius of curvature (roentgenographic methods) as functions of the volume of peritoneal dialysate (PD) instilled within the abdominal cavity. This allowed in vivo characterization of the human diaphragm's force-length relationship. As PD volume increased from zero to 3 L, FRC decreased from 2.41 +/- 0.29 L to 1.93 +/- 0.072 L; mean total diaphragm length index (TDLI) increased from 0.22 +/- 0.01 to 0.28 +/- 0.01, and diaphragm radius of curvature remained unchanged. Respiratory muscle strength increased as a function of dialysate volume, reaching its maximum after the infusion of 3 L PD. In contrast, normal subjects achieved maximal inspiratory muscle force at their normal FRC, with a mean TDLI of 0.26 +/- 0.01 and showed no further increase as the diaphragm lengthened. We conclude that the human diaphragm may be capable of an adaptive rightward shift in its force-length relationship when it is chronically lengthened by CAPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10467.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Prezant
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Aldrich
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Karpel
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Lynn
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; D011312:Pressure; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests