Single-breath diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Waleed M El-Sorougi, Maha M Fathy

Egyptian Journal of Bronchology 2017 11(1):23-28

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by progressive, irreversible airflow limitation and an inflammatory response of the lungs, usually to cigarette smoke. However, COPD is a heterogenous disease in terms of clinical, physiological, and pathological presentation. The pathological hallmarks of COPD are inflammation of the small airways (bronchiolitis) and destruction of lung parenchyma (emphysema). The functional consequence of these abnormalities is airflow limitation. Aim of work The aim of the study was to measure diffusion capacity in different stages of COPD. Patients and methods Sixty outpatients with COPD with mild to very severe obstruction were included in the study. Results There was a statistically significant negative (inverse) correlation between TLCO%, TLCO/VA, PCO2, and HCO3 and there was a statistically significant positive (direct) correlation between TLCO%, TLCO/VA, PO2, and arterial oxygen saturation. There was a statistically significant positive (direct) correlation between FVC%, FEV1%, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, TLCO%, and TLCO/VA. Conclusion Reduced diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide plus airflow obstruction together identifies a group of individuals with significantly worse lung function.

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