title: A double-blind, randomised, controlled Phase II trial of Heliox28 gas mixture in lung cancer patients with dyspnoea on exertion.
abstract: Helium has a low density and the potential of reducing the work of breathing and improving alveolar ventilation when replacing nitrogen in air. A Phase II, double-blind, randomised, prospective, controlled trial was undertaken to assess whether Heliox28 (72% He/28% O(2)) compared with oxygen-enriched air (72% N(2)/28% O(2)) or medical air (78.9% N(2)/21.1% O(2)) could reduce dyspnoea and improve the exercise capability of patients with primary lung cancer and dyspnoea on exertion (Borg >3). A total of 12 patients (seven male, five female patients, age 53-78) breathed the test gases in randomised order via a facemask and inspiratory demand valve at rest and while performing 6-min walk tests. Pulse oximetry (SaO(2)) was recorded continuously. Respiratory rate and dyspnoea ratings (Borg and VAS) were taken before and immediately post-walk. Breathing Heliox28 at rest significantly increased SaO(2) compared to oxygen-enriched air (96+/-2 cf. 94+/-2, P<0.01). When compared to medical air, breathing Heliox28 but not oxygen-enriched air gave a significant improvement in the exercise capability (P<0.0001), SaO(2) (P<0.05) and dyspnoea scores (VAS, P<0.05) of lung cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Academic Palliative Medicine Unit, Clinical Sciences Division (South), Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Rd, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ahmedzai
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Laude
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Troy
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vora
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006371:Helium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006371:Helium; C038949:heliox; D010100:Oxygen