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Primary biliary cirrhosis: relation between hepatic function and pulmonary function in patients who never smoked
M J Krowka1, P M Grambsch, E S Edell
1Section of Thoracic Diseases, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida 32224.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|June 1, 1991
Summary
In patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who never smoked, liver disease severity correlates with impaired gas exchange efficiency. This study highlights the link between hepatic function and pulmonary gas diffusion.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease.
- Pulmonary complications can occur in PBC patients.
- The relationship between liver disease severity and pulmonary function in non-smoking PBC patients requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hepatic and pulmonary function in non-smoking patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
- To determine if liver disease severity correlates with specific pulmonary function parameters.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 67 non-smoking PBC patients.
- Assessed pulmonary function including expiratory airflow and gas exchange (steady-state diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide).
- Characterized liver disease severity using histological stage and Mayo risk score.
Main Results:
- Significant relationship found between histological stage of PBC and steady-state diffusing capacity (p=0.02).
- Significant association between Mayo risk score and steady-state diffusing capacity (p=0.03).
- Progressive PBC severity correlated with deteriorating gas exchange efficiency; no link to expiratory airflow or sicca/Sjögren's.
Conclusions:
- A statistically significant relationship exists between primary biliary cirrhosis severity and gas exchange efficiency in non-smoking patients.
- Steady-state diffusing capacity is a key indicator of pulmonary involvement in PBC progression.
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