Abstract
Most frequently encountered alteration of lung function in patients on hemodialysis is existence of restricted ventilation and consequently insufficiency caused by hypervolemia. Various studies examined changes in lung micro circulation that follow hemodialysis and it is argued that they may cause lung fibrosis and even calcification of alveolar septa. The objective of this study is a comparison of the relative results of pulmonary function tests before and after hemodialysis treatment.
Using Chest-microspiro HI 601 apparatus, we have monitored 35 patients whose average age were 57 years. The diagnostic tools consisted of chest roentgenograms, laboratory tests, clinical examinations and pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1 and PEF). Our results indicate a statistically significant increase in FVC (p < 0,05) and FEV1 (p < 0,05) before and after hemodialysis.
Conclusion: Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment have prominent fluid retention in lung spaces. In this situations spirometry performed before and after hemodialysis can be used as a valid diagnostic approach in determining patients conditions.
- © 2011 ERS