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Diffusing capacity of the lung and nifedipine in systemic sclerosis
P P Sfikakis1, M Kyriakidis, C Vergos
1First Department of Propedeutic Medicine (Laiko General Hospital), Athens, Greece.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Nifedipine may improve lung function in systemic sclerosis by addressing pulmonary vasospasm. Lower baseline carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) correlated with greater improvement, suggesting a reversible component.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) can cause lung involvement, potentially due to pulmonary vascular abnormalities.
- Pulmonary vasospasm is a suspected contributor to lung disease in SSc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of pulmonary vasospasm in SSc-related lung disease.
- To evaluate the efficacy of nifedipine in improving pulmonary function in SSc patients.
Main Methods:
- 21 non-smoking SSc patients without cardiac disease or pulmonary hypertension were enrolled.
- Pulmonary function tests were performed at baseline, after a single 20-mg dose of nifedipine, and after 4 weeks of 10-mg TID nifedipine treatment.
Main Results:
- Nifedipine did not significantly alter most pulmonary function parameters.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between baseline carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and improvement in DLCO after nifedipine administration (single dose and 4-week treatment).
- Patients with lower baseline DLCO showed greater improvement with nifedipine.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis of reversible pulmonary vasospasm in SSc.
- Nifedipine may be a beneficial treatment for lung disease in systemic sclerosis, warranting further investigation.