PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Tajana Jalušic Gluncic AU - Latinka Basara AU - Ljiljana Konecki AU - Slavica Tomic AU - Miroslav Samarzija AU - Marko Jakopovic TI - Capnographic measurement as a screening method for respiratory obstructive diseases AID - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA1039 DP - 2015 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - PA1039 VI - 46 IP - suppl 59 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA1039.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA1039.full SO - Eur Respir J2015 Sep 01; 46 AB - Introduction: Capnogram is the curve obtained by continuous recording of the carbon dioxide mass mol in a sample of expiratory air(PECO2). Several studies have demonstrated significant correlation between indices describing the shape of the capnogram and the usual spirometric parameters.Aim: Aim of the study was to investigate whether capnogram can differentiate between patients with and without airway obstruction.Method: In 50 subjects spirometry was measured and according to FEV1/FVC ratio they got assigned either to the group with (FEV1/FVC<70%) or the group without airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC>70%). Capnographic measurements were made in both groups using ultrasonic measurement principle (Ganshorn Spiro Scout spirometer)that simultaneously measures airflow, temperature and gas density,providing data on volume and gas exchange from a single measurement using only quiet tidal breathing. Data on exhaled CO2 slope characteristics were expressed as α angle (°).Results: Results show significant negative correlations between α angle and FEV1 (r= -0.760;p<0.01), FVC (r= -0.684;p<0.01) and ratio FEV1/FVC (r= -0.774;p<0.01). Subjects with reduced FEV1 (<80% of predicted values) had significantly higher α angle values (p<0.01) in comparison to subjects without obstruction.Conclusion: Capnogram - exhaled CO2 slope characteristics can differentiate between subjects with and without airway obstruction. Unlike forced respiratory maneuvers,capnographic measurements requires only quiet tidal breathing resulting in lesser need for patient's co-operation. Therefore, it can be used as a screening method and for monitoring airway obstruction in environments with less clinical or technical supervision.