Lung Ultrasound and Pulmonary Function Test in Cirrhotic Patients
P Osni Leão Perin1, I de Fátma Ferreira Santana Boin2, A M Oliveira da Silva3
1General Intensive Care Unit, Surgery Department, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
Lung ultrasound B-lines, indicative of interstitial-alveolar syndrome, and ascites significantly impair lung function in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation. B-lines appear to independently worsen forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Hepatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Lung ultrasound (LU) detects pulmonary interstitial-alveolar syndrome (IAS) via B-lines.
- The prevalence and impact of IAS on lung function in cirrhotic patients are not well understood.
- Cirrhosis can lead to respiratory complications, including impaired lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of interstitial-alveolar involvement using LU in cirrhotic patients.
- To correlate LU findings with pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
- To distinguish the effects of ascites and B-lines on pulmonary function.
Main Methods:
- An observational, single-center study.
- 49 patients awaiting liver transplantation underwent LU and PFTs.
- Patients were categorized into four groups: no ascites/no B-lines, B-lines only, ascites only, and ascites with B-lines.
Main Results:
- Patients with B-lines only and ascites only showed significantly worse forced vital capacity (FVC).
- Reduced 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was observed in patients with B-lines only, ascites only, and both.
- The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was highest in the group with both ascites and B-lines.
Conclusions:
- B-lines detected by LU significantly reduce FVC and FEV1 in cirrhotic patients.
- B-lines may act as an independent factor worsening pulmonary function.
- LU is a valuable tool for assessing pulmonary involvement in cirrhotic patients.
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