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Changes in the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung in ulcerative colitis
M Marvisi1, P D Borrello, M Brianti
1Dept of Internal Medicine, Fiorenzuola-Cortemaggiore Hospital, Piacenze, Italy.
The European Respiratory Journal
|January 12, 2001
Summary
Pulmonary function abnormalities are common in ulcerative colitis patients, especially those with active disease. Reduced lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) correlates with intestinal inflammation severity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Pulmonary complications in UC are not well-characterized.
- Assessing lung function in UC patients is crucial for comprehensive management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lung function in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
- To determine the incidence of latent pulmonary involvement in active and inactive UC.
- To correlate pulmonary function with disease activity and histopathology.
Main Methods:
- 32 UC patients underwent colonoscopy with biopsy and clinical disease activity assessment (Harvey-Bradshaw index).
- Patients were divided into active (n=16) and inactive (n=16) disease groups.
- Global spirometry and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) were performed.
Main Results:
- 53% of UC patients (17/32) showed latent pulmonary involvement.
- Incidence was higher in active disease (81%) versus inactive disease (31%).
- Reduced DL,CO was prevalent, correlating significantly with intestinal histopathological grading in active UC (r=0.87, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- A high incidence of pulmonary function abnormalities exists in UC patients, often asymptomatic and without radiological findings.
- Pulmonary involvement is more frequent and severe in active UC.
- DL,CO measurement may serve as a non-invasive marker for UC disease activity.