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Lung function abnormalities and decline of spirometry in scleroderma: an overrated danger?
M J Abramson1, A J Barnett, G O Littlejohn
1Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Most scleroderma patients have abnormal lung function at diagnosis, particularly with reduced DLCO, but significant worsening over time is uncommon. This study tracked pulmonary involvement in 113 scleroderma cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, often involves the lungs, impacting patient prognosis.
- Pulmonary complications are a leading cause of mortality in scleroderma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and progression of lung involvement in scleroderma.
- To identify factors associated with impaired lung function and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical notes and lung function tests from 113 scleroderma patients.
- Analysis of spirometry, DLCO, VC, and FEV1 over a median follow-up of 10 years.
Main Results:
- Abnormal lung function was common at initial testing (61% of patients).
- Impaired DLCO was linked to increased mortality.
- No significant worsening of spirometry (VC, FEV1) was observed over time.
Conclusions:
- While initial lung function abnormalities are frequent in scleroderma, significant progression is not typical.
- Early DLCO impairment is a critical indicator for mortality risk in these patients.