Abstract
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Transfer Factor of Carbon monoxide (TLCO) are important indicators of disease progression and severity and may be predictive of mortality in IPF. However not all patients are able to perform these measurements. We wanted to identify factors that may affect the ability to perform these tests.
A cohort retrospective data analysis was undertaken using the data from 189 subjects from a single centre IPF database. The most recent Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) data was used for the analysis.
170 had performed gas transfer on their most recent PFTs. 19 patients had never performed full PFTs, therefore were excluded from further analysis as were 8 subjects with poor comprehension and low lung volumes. 17 patients with co-existing emphysema characterised by FEV1/FVC ratio <70% were also excluded.
129 subjects provided complete PFT data sets which were used for subsequent analysis.
These findings show that those who were unable to perform gas transfer were older and had a lower IC. However the remaining lung function was comparable. The underlying cause for the reduced IC is now being investigated further.
- © 2013 ERS