TY - JOUR T1 - Caution in Interpretation of Abnormal Carbon Monoxide Diffusion Capacity in COVID-19 Patients JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.03263-2020 SP - 2003263 AU - David G. Chapman AU - Tanya Badal AU - Gregory G. King AU - Cindy Thamrin Y1 - 2020/01/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/10/15/13993003.03263-2020.abstract N2 - We read with much interest the recent findings published in the European Respiratory Journal of reduced gas transfer in patients following COVID-19. Drs Mo et al. [1] investigated conventional pulmonary function in survivors of mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 approximately 20–30 days after onset of symptoms. While patients had relatively normal spirometry, DLCO was reduced in 50% and DLCO/VA (or KCO, to avoid misinterpretation) reduced in 25%. These findings are welcome as they provide significant insight into the long-term lung function impairment associated with COVID-19.Reduced KCO in discharged patients with COVID-19 suggests persistent abnormalities in gas exchange. Further research is required to understand why. ER -