Breathing power of respiratory muscles in single-lung transplanted emphysematic patients

Single-lung transplantation may induce asynchronous performance between the respiratory muscles of the chest. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a single transplanted lung on respiratory muscle mechanics. The force and power of the sternomastoid, external intercostal and external oblique muscles were evaluated throughout a range of respiratory maneuvers in emphysematic patients with a single transplanted lung and compared with that of healthy subjects. A significant differences was observed between the force, work and power of the muscles on the two sides of the chest in emphysematic patients (P < 0.05). The control group demonstrated higher averaged maximal force, work and power. The total work done during either inspiration or expiration by the external intercostal and external oblique muscles on the side of the transplanted lung were higher compared with that of the native lung side and compared with the control group. The asynchrony between the lungs after single-lung transplant leads to asynchronous muscle force and work and lesser muscle strength compared to healthy subjects.