肺泡蛋白沉着症肺功能检查特点:附27例分析

目的 肺泡蛋白沉着症(PAP)在临床上极为罕见,其肺功能检查特点的报道也极少,本研究目的在于探讨肺功能检查在PAP诊断和治疗中的价值.方法 回顾性分析本院呼吸疾病研究所经肺组织病理(过碘酸雪夫反应阳性)确诊的27例PAP患者的临床资料.全部病例均给予肺通气和弥散功能测试,其中12例进行了肺容积测试.比较了10例行支气管肺泡灌洗(BAL)治疗的患者在灌洗前、后肺功能的改变情况.结果 27例患者入院后的基础通气肺功能情况:用力肺活量(FVC):(79.67±16.21)%;第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1):(83.94±16.07)%,一秒率(FEV1/FVC):(89.20±5.50)%;最大呼气流量(PEF):(107.64±17.73)%;肺一氧化碳弥散量(DLCO):(49.27±21.83)%;DLCO与肺泡通气量比值(DLCO/VA):(69.92±20.11)%.肺总量(TLC):(80.60±19.56)%;残气容积(RV):(86.03±38.10)%;残总比(RV/TLC):(32.73±9.48)%;功能残气量(FRC):(84.91±28.08)%.27例患者基础肺功能下降的异常率:FVC:55.6%(15例);FEV1:44.4%(12例);FEV1/FVC:0%(0例);PEF:3.7 %(1例);DLCO:88.9%(24例);DLCO/VA:70.4%(19例).12例患者肺容积的异常率:TLC下降者占50%(6例);RV下降者占41.7%(5例),升高者占16.7%(2例);RV/TLC升高者占50%(6例);FRC下降者占33.3%(4例).10例进行BAL治疗的患者术后肺功能改善率:FVC:5.47%;FEV1:5.50%;DLCO:31.07%;DLCO/VA:20.35%.灌洗前后DLCO及DLCO/VA差异有统计学意义(t=-3.551,-3.159;P=0.006,0.012).结论 PAP的肺功能检查以肺限制性通气功能障碍及肺弥散功能障碍为常见,尤其为弥散功能障碍.PAP经BAL治疗后肺弥散功能有显著性改善.     

Pulmonary function and high-resolution CT findings in patients with an inherited form of pulmonary fibrosis, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, due to mutations in HPS-1

OBJECTIVE: To describe and correlate pulmonary function and high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan scores in individuals with a high risk for development of pulmonary fibrosis, ie, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) patients with mutations in the HPS-1 gene. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of consecutive, eligible patients. PATIENTS: Thirty-eight HPS inpatients at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center with HPS-1 mutations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were Puerto Rican and exhibited the typical 16-base pair (bp) duplication in exon 15 of HPS-1. One non-Puerto Rican was homozygous for a different mutation (intervening sequence 17 -2 A-->C) previously reported in the HPS-1 gene; he died at age 35 of pulmonary insufficiency. For the 23 patients who had pulmonary symptoms, the mean age of onset was 35 years. For all 38 patients (mean age, 37 +/- 2 years), the mean FVC was 71% of predicted; the mean FEV(1), 76%; mean total lung capacity (TLC), 72%; mean vital capacity (VC), 68%; and mean diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 72%. When patients were grouped according to the extent of their reduction in FVC, the other four pulmonary function parameters followed the FVC. Seventeen patients had abnormal chest radiographs, and 31 (82%) had abnormal HRCT scans of the chest, for which a scoring system of 0 (normal) to 3 (severe fibrosis) is presented. The mean +/- SEM HRCT score for 38 patients was 1.30 +/- 0.17. HRCT scores correlated inversely with FVC and DLCO. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the HPS-1 gene, whether or not they involve the typical 16-bp duplication seen in Puerto Rican patients, are associated with fatal pulmonary fibrosis. In affected patients, the FVC, FEV(1), TLC, VC, and DLCO fall in concert, and this functional deficit correlates with HRCT scan evidence of progression of interstitial lung disease.     

肺泡蛋白沉着症患者的肺功能与胸部分辨率CT的相关性

目的 探讨PAP患者的肺功能与高分辨率CT定量测量指标之间的相关性.方法 对2004至2007年在广州医学院第一附属医院呼吸疾病研究所住院的17例PAP患者(男10例,女7例,年龄15～51岁)进行肺通气及弥散功能检查和高分辨率CT检查,分析肺功能指标与高分辨率CT定量指标之间的相关性.比较其中6例行全肺肺泡灌洗治疗前、后的肺功能和高分辨率CT定量指标的变化.采用SPSS 13.0软件进行数据处理,结果 以x±s表示.结果 PAP患者的肺功能检查结果 以限制性通气功能障碍和弥散功能下降为主,弥散功能下降更为显著,DLCO占预计值%为(46±22)%,异常率为94.1%.肺功能检查结果 与高分辨率CT定量检查结果 之间存在一定的相关性,其中平均肺密度与FVC、肺重量与FEV1、肺含气容积比与呼气峰流量、DL.CO、DLCO与肺泡通气量比值(DLCO/VA)等指标的改变差异有统计学意义,(r值分别为-0.469、-0.482、0.511、0.659、0.692,均P<0.05),在所有指标中以肺含气容积比与DLCO/VA关系最为密切.6例肺泡灌洗术治疗的患者术后肺功能和高分辨率CT定量测量指标有所改善.结论 PAP的肺功能和胸部高分辨率CT改变之间存在相关性.2项检查同时进行可作为PAP患者随访的重要参考指标.     

Lung function six months after severe COVID-19: Does time,in fact,heal all wounds?

BackgroundCOVID-19 has been associated with persistent symptoms and functional changes, especially in those surviving severe disease.MethodsWe conducted a prospective multicenter study in patients with severe COVID-19 to determine respiratory sequelae. Patients were stratified into two groups: ward admission (WA) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In each follow-up visit, the patients where inquired about cough and dyspnea, and performed spirometry, lung volumes, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP). Results of pulmonary function tests at 45 days and 6 months after hospital admission were compared using paired analysis.Results211 patients were included, 112 in WA and 99 in ICU. Dyspnea persisted in 64.7% in the WA and 66.7% in the ICU group after 6 months. Lung function measures showed significant improvement between 45 days and 6 months, both in WA and ICU groups in VC, FVC, FEV1, total lung capacity, and 6MW distance measures. The improvement in the proportions of the altered functional parameters was significant in the ICU group for VC (44.2% 45 d; 20.8% 6 m; p = 0,014), FVC (47.6% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,003), FEV1 (45.1% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,044), DLCO (33.8% 45 d; 7.7% 6 m; p < 0,0001).ConclusionSix months follow-up of patients with the severe forms of COVID-19 showed significant improvement in the lung function measures compared to 45 days post hospital discharge. The difference was more evident in those requiring ICU admission.     

Effect of mycophenolate sodium in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of mycophenolate sodium (MS) in patients with scleroderma (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). In a prospective observational study, we evaluated 14 consecutive SSc-ILD patients who were treated with MS for 12 months. The effect of MS on lung function was examined by using longitudinal data analytic methods. Wilcoxon rank–sum tests were used to examine the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) by pulmonary function testing. As a group, the median values for FVC, FEV1 and DLCO did not change significantly after 12 months of MS therapy and fulfilled the definition of stable disease by the American Thoracic Society. Individually, after 12 months of treatment, 6 out of 14 patients showed a pulmonary improvement defined as an increase of more than 10% in FVC, and 5 out of 14 patients remained stable. By contrast, the median FVC had declined a non-significant 7.2% from the previous 12 months before MS initiation. No significant drug adverse effects were registered. These prospective data suggest that MS is a safe and well-tolerated therapy for SSc-ILD patients, and it is capable of preventing functional pulmonary deterioration.     

COPD合并慢性肺源性心脏病与否的肺功能对比分析

目的 通过对单纯COPD与肺心病患者的肺功能进行对比分析,了解COPD合并肺心病与否时的肺功能改变.方法 对所有入选的COPD患者进行肺功能和心脏超声检查,COPD患者GOLD分级为Ⅱ～Ⅳ级.根据有无肺心病将入选患者分为单纯COPD组和COPD合并肺心病组.单纯COPD组37例;COPD合并肺心病组31例.结果 COPD合并肺心病组DLCO% pred显著低于单纯COPD组(P<0.05);两组间FEV1% pred、FVC% pred、FEV1/FVC、RV% pred、TLC% pred、RV/TLC和共振频率无显著差异(P＞0.05).结论 COPD合并肺心病患者较单纯COPD患者肺弥散功能的损害更为显著.     

Mixed infiltrative and obstructive disease on high-resolution CT: differential diagnosis and functional correlates in a consecutive series

Fourteen of 400 consecutive patients having high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) with expiratory images showed findings of infiltrative lung disease on inspiratory HRCT and air trapping on expiratory CT. Diagnoses included hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, atypical infection, and pulmonary edema. The extent of infiltrative abnormalities and air trapping were correlated with pulmonary function tests (PFT) in 11 patients. PFT indicated a mixed pattern in five, an obstructive pattern in three, and a restrictive pattern in three. Forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FVC) correlated significantly with the extent of air-trapping (r = 0.60; p = 0.05). The extent of infiltrative abnormalities correlated significantly and negatively with forced vital capacity (r = -0.82, p = 0.002), FEV1 (r = -0.59, p = 0.05), total lung capacity (TLC) (r = -0.67, p = 0.05), and DLCO (r = -0.75, p = 0.02). Findings of lung infiltration on inspiratory HRCT scans and air trapping on expiratory CT correlated respectively with PFT measures of restrictive and obstructive lung disease.     

Relation of ferritin levels to pulmonary function in patients with thalassemia major and the acute effects of transfusion

We studied 36 patients (17 males and 19 females) with thalassemia major by performing pulmonary function testing (PFT), arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), as well as determining the serum ferritin level. In addition, 19 of these patients were transfused with two units of packed cells, and a repeat ABG and PFT were performed. Twenty-three patients had normal PFTs, eleven patients (30.6%) showed a restrictive pattern (significant decrease in both TLC and DLCO), and only two patients (5.6%) showed an obstructive pattern. A significant negative correlation was found between serum ferritin and restrictive parameters, DLCO and TLC (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). This correlation was even stronger after transfusion. Controlling for age, ferritin was still negatively correlated with DLCO (p = 0.04), but no longer with TLC. There was no correlation between age and DLCO or age and TLC; however, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between age and FVC (p = 0.003). Analysis of patients who were transfused revealed a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (89 +/- 4% vs. 74 +/- 5% of predicted; p-value < 0.001) and in maximum midexpiratory flow rate (79 +/- 4% vs. 67 +/- 5% of predicted; p-value = 0.004). For patients older than 15 yr of age, there was a statistically significant decrease in FEV1/FVC (84 +/- 2 vs. 83 +/- 2%; p-value = 0.04). The ABGs showed no significant change post-transfusion. In this study, PFT findings in thalassemia major were restrictive and correlated with serum ferritin level. Transfusion had an acute effect on the obstructive parameters of PFT.     

Correlation of high-resolution CT, symptoms, and pulmonary function in patients during recovery from severe acute respiratory syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Little is known of the nature of the recovery period after severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infection. We hypothesized that structural changes of the lung might correlate with symptoms and pulmonary function. To answer this question, we correlate findings of high-resolution CT (HRCT) with dyspnea scores and results of pulmonary function tests in patients during recovery from SARS. DESIGN: Retrospective follow-up cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients who recovered from SARS-related hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS: The study included HRCT scores (0 to 100), dyspnea scores (1 to 4), static and dynamic lung volumes, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). RESULTS: The interval between hospital discharge and HRCT study or functional assessment was 31.2 +/- 4.8 days (range, 25 to 38 days) [mean +/- SD]. All patients had HRCT abnormalities and were assigned to two groups: ground-glass opacity (GGO) only (n = 7, 36.8%) and GGO with fibrosis (GGO+F) [n = 12, 63.2%]. Most patients (16 of 19, 84.2%) had no zonal predominance. HRCT scores correlated well with dyspnea scores (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) and with a variety of pulmonary functional variables, with DLCO being the most significant (r = - 0.923, p < 0.001). Compared with the GGO group, the GGO+F group showed significantly lower FEV(1), FVC, total lung capacity, residual volume, and DLCO. CONCLUSIONS: HRCT findings correlate well with functional studies and clinical symptoms during recovery from SARS. Longer-term follow-up studies in a larger cohort of patients should be performed to investigate the clinical outcome of recovered SARS patients.     

Pulmonary function testing prior to reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in an unselected patient cohort predicts posttransplantation pulmonary complications and outcome

Pretransplant pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have been checked mostly in myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). Their value in the setting of reduced intensity conditioning Allo-SCT (Allo-RIC) has been less explored. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive value of PFTs on posttransplant pulmonary complications (PPC) and outcomes in 195 consecutive Allo-RIC patients, based on fludarabine plus busulphan or melphalan. PFT parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCo) corrected for the hemoglobin levels. Pretransplant PFTs abnormalities were observed in 130 patients (66%). The most frequent abnormalities were abnormal DLCO (n = 83, 44%), followed by FEV1/FVC (n = 75, 38%) and FVC (n = 47, 24%). The abnormalities were severe in 25 (13%) patients, moderate in 65 (33%) and mild in 40 patients (21%). Multivariate analysis showed that TLC was significantly associated with PPC, nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS), (HR 4.2, 95% CI. 2-8.5; HR 3.8, 95% CI. 1.7-8.5; HR 2.3, 95% CI. 1.3-4.1, respectively, P = 0.01), while abnormal FVC had a negative impact on PPC and OS (HR 1.8, 95% CI. 0.98-3.6, P = 0.06 and HR 1.7, 95% CI. 1.1-2.6, P = 0.008). This study emphasizes the valuable role of PFTs in identifying patients at risk for PPC, NRM, and lower OS in the Allo-RIC setting.     

结节病患者肺功能与支气管肺泡灌洗液细胞学关系的研究

目的 探讨结节病患者不同影像分期之间肺功能指标、支气管肺泡灌洗液细胞学的改变以及两者的相关性.方法 回顾性调查71例结节病患者肺功能以及支气管肺泡灌洗液检查的资料.结果 在结节病患者不同影像分期之间肺功能指标用力肺活量(FVC)占预计值%、第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)占预计值%、肺总量(TLC)占预计值%以及肺一氧化...     

Alterations in pulmonary function in inflammatory bowel disease are frequent and persist during remission

OBJECTIVES: Information on the occurrence and frequency of pulmonary involvement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is inconsistent. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the frequency and type of pulmonary dysfunction in patients with IBD. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with IBD (35 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 31 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) and 30 control patients were investigated with respect to the following pulmonary function tests: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), inspiratory vital capacity (IVC), Tiffeneau value (FEV1/IVC), and lung CO transfer capacity (D(LCO)). Disease activity in IBD patients was assessed by the CD activity index for CD and the Truelove index for UC, respectively. Smoking habits and medication were documented in every patient. RESULTS: Fourteen of 36 CD patients (39%) and 14 of 31 UC patients (45%) but only one of the controls exhibited at least one pathological (<80% of predicted value) pulmonary function test. In both CD and UC lung function tests were significantly decreased in comparison to the control group. This could be shown for FEV1 (-14% of predicted value in CD and -17% in UC, p < 0.01), IVC (-10% in CD and -12% in UC, p < 0.05), and DLCO (-20% in CD and -31% in UC, p < 0.01) without significant differences between both disease entities. The impairment of pulmonary function tests was more pronounced in patients with active disease than in those with inactive disease (FEV1, 81.4% vs 93.4% predicted, p < 0.02; IVC, 84.4% vs 93.7%, p < 0.05; DLCO, 80.4% vs 95.8%, ns). CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients show significantly decreased lung function tests in comparison to healthy controls. The impairment in active disease exceeded that during remission.     

Relatively favorable outcomes of post-transplant pulmonary function in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving non-myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract:  Pulmonary function tests were performed in 20 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia before and after human leukocyte antigen-matched allogeneic sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to identify any conditioning treatment effects on post-transplant function from January 1995 to December 2002. Of 20 patients, eight received non-myeloablative conditioning treatment and 12 received conventional myeloablative conditioning treatment. Pulmonary function tests including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were performed pretransplant, 6 and 12 months post-transplant. Possible pre-HSCT and post-HSCT risk factors were evaluated for association with pulmonary function. The results showed that myeloablative conditioning treatment had greater negative impact on FEV1, FVC, and DLCO than non-myeloablative conditioning therapy. We conclude that non-myeloablative allogeneic HSCT may apply a better transplant choice in patients who need special concern with post-transplant pulmonary function changes.     

Six-minute walk test before and after large-volume paracentesis in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites: A pilot study

Background/AimsFunctional impairment is common among cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, and improvement in functional impairment is an expected issue after paracentesis. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is considered an objective test for functional activity. No published data have evaluated the 6MWT among cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites before and after large-volume paracentesis. The research aim was to assess the feasibility of performing the 6MWT among cirrhotic patients who had refractory ascites before and after large-volume paracentesis.Materials and MethodsThirty-one cirrhotic inpatients with refractory ascites were subjected to pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC) and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) before and 48 h after therapeutic large-volume paracentesis. Dyspnoea as assessed by the Borg scale and functional capacity as assessed by the 6MWT were also evaluated.ResultsPrior to paracentesis, the mean values of FVC and FEV1 were lower than the predicted values, and a significant increase was observed after paracentesis. There was improvement in the mean DLCO values after paracentesis (P < 0.05). Regarding the 6MWT, significant increases in the walked distance (6MWD) (310.7 ± 73 vs. 348.7 ± 72.3 m) and oxygen saturation after paracentesis (P = 0.001) were observed. Significant improvement in the dyspnoea scale also occurred after paracentesis (P = 0.001). A significant positive correlation between the 6MWD before paracentesis and serum albumin levels was demonstrated (r = 0.373, P = 0.039).ConclusionWe found a decrease in pulmonary function and the 6MWD in patients who had refractory ascites, which improved significantly following large-volume paracentesis. The 6MWT is useful in detecting impaired functional capacity among cirrhotic patients.     

How accurate is spirometry at predicting restrictive pulmonary impairment?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy with which spirometric measurements of FVC and expiratory flow rates can diagnose the presence of a restrictive impairment. DESIGN: The pulmonary function tests of 1,831 consecutive white adult patients who had undergone both spirometry and lung volume measurements on the same visit over a 2-year period were analyzed. The probability of restrictive pulmonary impairment, defined as a reduced total lung capacity (TLC) below the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval, was determined for each of several categoric classifications of the spirometric data, and additionally for each of several interval levels of the FVC and the FEV1/FVC ratio. SETTING: A large clinical laboratory in a university teaching hospital using quality-assured and standardized spirometry and lung volume measurement techniques according to American Thoracic Society standards. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five of 1,831 patients (12.3%) had a restrictive defect. The positive predictive value of spirometry for predicting restriction was relatively low; of 470 patients with a low FVC on spirometry, only 41% had restriction confirmed on lung volume measurements. When the analysis was confined to the 264 patients with a restrictive pattern on spirometry (ie, low FVC and normal or above normal FEV1/FVC ratio), the positive predictive value was 58%. Conversely, spirometry had a very favorable negative predictive value; only 2.4% of patients (32 of 1,361) with a normal vital capacity (VC) on spirometry had a restrictive defect by TLC measurement. The probability of a restrictive defect was directly and linearly related to the degree of reduction of FVC when the FVC was < 80% of predicted (p = 6.002). Combining the FVC and the FEV1/FVC ratio improved the predictive ability of spirometry; for all values of FVC < 80% of the predicted amount, the likelihood of restrictive disease increased as the FEV1/FVC ratio increased. CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry is very useful at excluding a restrictive defect. When the VC is within the normal range, the probability of a restrictive defect is < 3%, and unless restrictive lung disease is suspected a priori, measurement of lung volumes can be avoided. However, spirometry is not able to accurately predict lung restriction; < 60% of patients with a classical spirometric restrictive pattern had pulmonary restriction confirmed on lung volume measurements. For these patients, measurement of the TLC is needed to confirm a true restrictive defect.     

肺癌患者放疗前后肺功能检测及其临床意义

目的通过肺癌患者放疗前后肺功能检测来评价其临床意义。方法放疗前一周及放疗后1个月和3个月分别检测肺功能，指标包括：用力肺活量（FVC）、一秒内用力呼气量（FEV1）、肺一氧化碳弥散量（DLCO）。结果放疗后1月，在基础肺功能正常组，FVC，FEV，值明显高于放疗前，而DLCO值有下降趋势（P〉0．05）；在基础肺功能异常组，FVC，FEV1，DLCO值均有下降趋势（P〉0.05）。放疗后3个月时，在基础肺功能正常组，FVC，FEV1值较放疗前有下降，但无统计学差异，而DLCO下降明显。在基础肺功能异常组，FVC，FEV1，DLCO均较放疗前下降明显，有统计学差异。结论放疗能导致肺功能损伤，基础肺功能异常的患者做放疗计划时可能需要适当地减少放疗剂量。     

Pulmonary dysfunction in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Background: Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), defined as hypoxemia and functional intrapulmonary right-to-left shunts in the presence of chronic liver disease, is a frequent complication of end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of pulmonary dysfunction and the prevalence of HPS in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Methods: Lung function tests were carried out in 178 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (mean age 43.2 years, 95 smokers). To demonstrate intrapulmonary shunting, contrast echocardiography was performed in all patients with hypoxemia (paO(2)<70 mmHg) or a reduced diffusion capacity (DLCO<70% predicted). Results: The median results of lung function parameters (FVC, FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, TLC, DLCO, and blood gas analysis) were normal. Despite normal lung function, hypoxemia and/or DLCO reduction were observed in 17 of 178 patients (9.6%). A correlation with inflammatory activity, extent of fibrosis, or etiology was not found. Intrapulmonary shunting was observed in three of 17 patients. Two of these patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of HPS. Conclusions: Impaired gas exchange is a common finding even in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic viral hepatitis. HPS, however, was present in 1.1% of patients with chronic viral hepatitis and is thus not restricted to patients with liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or acute liver failure.     

Evaluation of the relationship between radiological abnormalities and both pulmonary function and pulmonary hypertension in coal workers' pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the radiological evidence of emphysema, and the extent of interstitial involvement, on lung function and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: The records of 48 patients with suspected CWP were evaluated retrospectively. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analyses and right heart catheterization were evaluated in all patients. Radiological scoring was according to International Labour Organization criteria, and emphysema was scored by CT scanning. Patients were grouped according to the mean PAP (> or =20 mm Hg or < or =19 mm Hg). RESULTS: All patients showed a mild decrease in FEV(1)/FVC and a mild increase in FRC. Forty-four per cent of patients developed mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension. Emphysema scores correlated significantly with airflow rates, including FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and FEF(25-75%), and with carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)% predicted as well as FRC% predicted and the ratio RV/TLC, which are indices of air trapping. Additionally, profusion and global profusion scores showed significant correlation with FEV(1)/FVC, DLCO% predicted, specific airway conductance and smoking. Mean PAP showed a significant negative correlation with FEF(50%) predicted, DLCO% predicted and profusion score. CONCLUSIONS: The impairment of pulmonary function (mainly disturbance in airflow rates and air trapping) and pulmonary hypertension may be present, even in a simple form of CWP. The pulmonary function impairment in patients with CWP is likely to be attributable to the occurrence of emphysema. However, pulmonary hypertension was directly related to the profusion of pneumoconiotic nodules, which may result in obliteration of the vascular bed.     

Respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and dyspnea in patients with sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder that is estimated to involve the skeletal muscles in up to 50% of patients. There is little information on the relationship among respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes, and the degree of dyspnea in patients with sarcoidosis. Design and patients: Lung function and maximal respiratory muscle force generation were measured in 36 patients with sarcoidosis (24 patients with pulmonary parenchymal infiltration) and 25 control subjects free of cardiorespiratory disease. Dyspnea in the sarcoidosis patients was quantitated by a score based on an activity tolerance assessment scale (ranging from rest to climbing hills or stairs). SETTING: Outpatient clinics of two teaching hospitals. RESULTS: Mean FVC, maximal voluntary ventilation, total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity, residual volume (RV), and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were all at least 16% less than corresponding control values (in all cases, p < 0.001), while maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory mouth pressure (PEmax) were 37% and 39% less, respectively, than control values (both at p < 0.0001). PImax and PEmax declined with increasing dyspnea in a more graded, steady manner than did spirometric and DLCO values. For all measurements, however, the lowest mean values were found in patients with the most severe level of dyspnea. Strong inverse relationships were observed between PEmax and PImax with dyspnea level (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Both PImax and PEmax correlated best with absolute values of FVC, while only PEmax correlated with RV (absolute and percent predicted) and percent predicted values of TLC. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal respiratory pressures correlate more closely with dyspnea level than lung volumes and DLCO. Since dyspnea is the most common presentation in early to moderately advanced sarcoidosis, respiratory pressures may be a more reliable index of functional work capacity and reflection of activities of daily living than standard tests of lung function.     

Dynamic diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) as a predictor of pulmonary microangiopathy and its association with extra pulmonary microangiopathy in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Background and aimLung as a target end organ for microvascular disease often remains underdiagnosed. This study aims to assess occurrence of pulmonary microangiopathy among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using dynamic diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO).MethodsA total of 120 participants aged >18 years were enrolled in this study. Group 1 comprised T2DM with microangiopathy (n = 40), group 2 include T2DM without microangiopathy (n = 40), group 3 were healthy controls (n = 40). Individuals with underlying lung disease, smoking history, heart failure, urinary tract infection, macrovascular complications of diabetes, microalbuminuria due to other causes were excluded from the study. Using electronic spirometry, Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was measured and FEV1/FVC ratio calculated. DLCO (%predicted) using single breath method was measured in sitting position followed by supine position and delta DLCO was calculated. DLCO measured was compared between the three groups.ResultsDLCO (median [IQR]) in sitting (78 [70–82.75]) and supine position (70 [62–84]) among group one was significantly decreased when compared to other two groups (p value < 0.001, p value < 0.001 respectively). Delta DLCO (median, [IQR]) among patients with diabetic microangiopathy (?6 [-8 to ?2]) was significant on comparison with group two (4[2,6]) and control group (5[4,6]) (p < 0.001). Negative delta DLCO reflecting pulmonary microangiopathy was significantly associated with extrapulmonary microangiopathy (p value = 0.027).ConclusionPostural variation in DLCO is a useful non-invasive test for identifying pulmonary microangiopathy among T2DM patients. Presence of pulmonary microangiopathy has significant association with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy.