[Pulmonary mechanics and alveolar exchanges in the elderly with apparently healthy lungs. Preliminary study]

A group of ten elderly subjects who were apparently normal from the cardiac and pulmonary points of view, were selected on criteria of history, clinical findings, radiological and E.C.G. findings, with a view to a study of respiratory function based on two aspects: alveolar exchanges were assessed by measurement of the ductance of carbon monoxide and the elastic properties of the lung together with bronchial permeability. Although alveolar exchanges are little modified, one may note some pulmonary distension, especially in the smokers, together with a reduction in elasticity. The changes in bronchial permeability which affect the peripheral and central airways, are mainly found in smokers. One may determine the respective roles of extrinsic and intrinsic bronchial obstruction in these abnormalities. One may thus consider that, from the pulmonary point of view, the elderly patient faced with a surgical operation should be considered a high risk for respiratory decompensation, especially if he is, or has been, a smoker.