Introduction
Purpose:
To evaluate
the effects of a three-week winter camp at the Dead-Sea region,
on lung functions of cystic fibrosis patients.
Methods:
We evaluated data
of German CF patients who participated in a three weeks winter camp
at the Dead Sea area between 1996-1999.
- Clinical evaluation included
a physical examination, spirometry and pulse oxymetry, performed
on arrival and before departure.
- During their stay patients
were given chest physiotherapy by a professional physiotherapist,
and were encouraged to walk and participate in a variety of in-door
and out-door activities.
Results:
Research group included
73 German CF
Mean age was 16.9 (range:
2.5y-38y)
Male/Female ratio was
39:34
Mean SaO2
significantly improved, as well as FVC and FEV1.
Non of the patients developed
an acute exacerbation during the stay in the Dead Sea area and there
was no need for IV interventions.
Conclusion:
CF patients benefit
while staying in the Dead Sea area, an ideal rehabilitation place
during the winter. Our observation with 73 CF patients who spent 3-4
weeks in this area are encouraging, indicating the beneficial effects
of the richer oxygen environment, in relation to arterial oxygen saturation
and lung function.
Bibliography:
- E. Paz
The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) Book (In Hebrew); 1993.
The Natural Reserves Authority and Regional Council
- A. Drugon
A medical Outlook on the Dead Sea Area and Its Natural
Therapeutic Factor.
Health Resort Authority; 1978.
- M. Kramer, C. Springier,
N. Beckman, E. Bar-Ice, A. Vital, A. Mandelberg, D. Efron, S. Godfrey.
The Effect of Natural Oxygen Enrichment at Low Altitude
on Oxygen Dependent Patients with End Stage Lung Disease.
Annals of Internal Medicine 1994; 12 (9), 658-662
- The Netherlands Journal
of Medicine, june 1999, Page No:56
* Was presented as
a Poster at the CF Conference at The Hague, Netherland, June 1999.
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