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CO diffusing capacity in a general population sample: relationships with cigarette smoking and airflow obstruction
G Viegi1, P Paoletti, L Carrozzi
1CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that cumulative cigarette consumption decreases single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCOsb) even in healthy individuals. Asthmatic patients, particularly those with mild airflow obstruction, showed higher DLCOsb values.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCOsb) is a key indicator of lung function.
- Understanding factors influencing DLCOsb in the general population is crucial for respiratory health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference equations for DLCOsb in a general population sample.
- To investigate the impact of cigarette smoking and airway obstruction on DLCOsb.
- To examine DLCOsb in asthmatic patients with varying degrees of airflow obstruction.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 2,481 individuals in Northern Italy.
- Measurement of DLCOsb and ventilatory lung function tests.
- Development of regression models incorporating smoking history and airway obstruction parameters.
Main Results:
- Cumulative cigarette consumption was associated with a decrease in DLCOsb, even in healthy subjects.
- Airway obstruction had a minimal effect on mean DLCOsb values.
- Asthmatic patients with an FEV1/FVC ratio between 75% and 65% exhibited elevated mean DLCOsb (>100%).
Conclusions:
- DLCOsb declines with cumulative smoking exposure.
- Elevated DLCOsb may be observed in asthmatic patients with early-stage chronic airflow obstruction.
- The study provides population-specific reference values for DLCOsb.