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Closing volume in normal pregnancy

I F Russell, W A Chambers

British Journal of Anaesthesia

|October 1, 1981

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy can affect lung function, potentially causing airway closure in some positions. However, key lung volumes like closing volume remain stable throughout gestation.

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Area of Science:

Physiology
Respiratory Medicine
Women's Health

Background:

Pregnancy significantly alters maternal physiology, including respiratory system function.
Understanding changes in lung volumes during pregnancy is crucial for assessing respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of pregnancy on specific lung volumes, including closing volume and functional residual capacity.
To determine if pregnancy-induced changes affect airway closure during tidal breathing.

Main Methods:

Measurements of closing volume, closing capacity, and functional residual capacity were taken in 10 healthy women during and after pregnancy.
Lung function was assessed in both supine and seated positions.

Main Results:

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No significant alterations were observed in closing volume or closing capacity throughout pregnancy.
A progressive decrease in functional residual capacity was noted as pregnancy advanced.
Airway closure during tidal breathing occurred in over 50% of women at term when supine, but not when seated.

Conclusions:

While key measures like closing volume are unaffected, pregnancy can lead to reduced functional residual capacity.
Positional changes (supine vs. seated) are critical in observing pregnancy-related airway closure, highlighting the importance of posture in respiratory function during gestation.