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Importance of Carbon Monoxide Transfer Coefficient (KCO) Interpretation in Patients with Airflow Limitation  

Seo, Yong Woo (Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Choi, Won-Il (Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Lee, Jeong Eun (Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Park, Hun Pyo (Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Ko, Sung Min (Department of Radiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Won, Kyoung Sook (Department of Nuclear Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Keum, Dong Yoon (Department of Thoracic Surgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Lee, Mi-Young (Department of Preventive Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Jeon, Young June (Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Publication Information
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases / v.59, no.4, 2005 , pp. 374-379 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background : The single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and the per unit alveolar volume (KCO; $D_LCO/VA$) gave discordant values when there was an abnormal alveolar volume (VA). However, the clinical significance of the discordant values in patients with airflow limitation has not been examined. This study investigated the $D_LCO$ and KCO changes after improving the airflow limitation. Methods : The baseline $D_LCO$ and KCO with lung volume were measured in patients with an airflow obstruction. The effective alveolar volume was measured using the single-breath $CH_4$ dilution method. The patients divided into two groups according to the baseline values: (1) increased KCO in comparison with the $D_LCO$ (high discordance) (2) decreased or not increased KCO in comparison with the $D_LCO$ (low discordance). The diffusion capacity and lung volume were measured after treatment. Results : There was no significant difference in the baseline lung volumes including the $FEV_1$ and FVC between the two groups. The $FEV_1$ and FVC were significantly increased in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group after treating the airflow limitation. The $D_LCO$ and alveolar volume were significant higher in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group while the TLC was not. Conclusion : The discordance between the $D_LCO$ and KCO could be translated into an airflow reversibility in patients with an airflow limitation.
Keywords
DLCO; KCO; Pulmonary function test; Obstructive lung disease;
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