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Impaired diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in children with type 1 diabetes: is this the first sign of long-term

Andrea E Scaramuzza1, Marco Morelli, Maurizio Rizzi

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, "Luigi Sacco Hospital", University of Milano, Milan, Italy. scaramuzza.andrea@hsacco.it

Acta Diabetologica
|November 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with type 1 diabetes show reduced lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), specifically in pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc). This suggests potential microvascular complications, warranting DLCO screening in diabetic children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Diabetic Complications

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can lead to microvascular complications.
  • Lung dysfunction, particularly reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), is a potential complication.
  • Understanding early lung changes in T1D is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess lung dysfunction in children with T1D.
  • To evaluate the components of DLCO: membrane diffusing capacity (DM) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc).
  • To investigate potential early microangiopathic changes in the lungs of T1D patients.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 42 children with T1D and 30 healthy controls.
  • Assessed lung volumes and spirometry using plethysmography.
  • Measured single-breath DLCO and calculated DM and Vc.

Main Results:

  • Children with T1D had reduced lung volumes compared to controls.
  • Overall DLCO was significantly lower in T1D patients (78% ± 16%) versus controls (120% ± 1%).
  • Impairment was specifically noted in Vc (34 ± 20 ml vs. 88 ± 18 ml), while DM showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced Vc in T1D children may indicate early microangiopathic changes.
  • DLCO impairment, particularly Vc, could be an early sign of lung involvement in T1D.
  • Screening DLCO in all patients with type 1 diabetes is recommended.

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