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Pulmonary membrane diffusing capacity and capillary blood volume in tropical eosinophilia
V Vijayan1, K V Kuppurao, P Venkatesan
1Cardio-Pulmonary Medicine Unit, Indian Council of Medical Research, Madras.
Chest
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Patients with tropical eosinophilia have reduced membrane diffusing capacity, impacting lung function. Treatment improved transfer factor but did not fully restore diffusing capacity, suggesting persistent membrane area reduction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Tropical Diseases
Background:
- Tropical eosinophilia is a condition affecting lung function.
- Pulmonary diffusing capacity is a key indicator of gas exchange efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pulmonary membrane diffusing capacity (Dm) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) in patients with tropical eosinophilia.
- To assess the impact of treatment on these parameters.
Main Methods:
- Compared Dm and Vc in 21 untreated tropical eosinophilia patients and 21 controls.
- Measured single breath transfer factor (Dco) and effective alveolar volume (VA).
- Assessed changes after three weeks of diethylcarbamazine citrate treatment.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower Dco and Dm in untreated patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- No significant difference in Vc between groups (p > 0.2).
- Treatment increased Dco and Dm, but they remained lower than controls; Vc unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Reduced Dco in tropical eosinophilia is linked to decreased Dm, likely due to reduced diffusion membrane area (reduced VA).
- Pulmonary perfusion (Vc) is normal.
- Diethylcarbamazine citrate improves Dco and Dm, but deficits persist, indicating potential long-term effects on lung diffusion capacity.