Diffusing Capacity of Carbon Monoxide in Assessment of COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) is inconsistently obtained in patients with COPD, and the added benefit of Dlco testing beyond that of more common tools is unknown.

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine whether lower Dlco is associated with increased COPD morbidity independent of emphysema assessed via spirometry and CT imaging.

Methods

Data for 1,806 participants with COPD from the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study 5-year visit were analyzed, including pulmonary function testing, quality of life, symptoms, exercise performance, and exacerbation rates. Dlco percent predicted was primarily analyzed as a continuous variable and additionally categorized into four groups: (1) Dlco and FEV₁ > 50% (refe

SUBMITTER: Balasubramanian A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7242635 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature