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

Egyptian Journal of Bronchology volume 11, pages 23–28 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by progressive, irreversible airflow limitation and an inflammatory response of the lungs, usually to cigarettesmoke. 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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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chest Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, 27 Omar Bakeer Street, Saint Fatima Sq., Helwan, Heliopolis, 11361, Egypt

    Waleed M. El-Sorougi (MD)

  2. Department of Chest Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt

    Maha M. Fathy

Authors
  1. Waleed M. El-Sorougi
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  2. Maha M. Fathy
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Correspondence to Waleed M. El-Sorougi.

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El-Sorougi, W.M., Fathy, M.M. Single-breath diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Egypt J Bronchol 11, 23–28 (2017). https://doi.org/10.4103/1687-8426.199002

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1687-8426.199002

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