• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.109-124
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• 2008

Background: The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing and the disease is becoming an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is important to implement evidence-based guidelines by primary care physicians (PCPs) to establish qualified management of COPD patients. The aim of this survey is to investigate the pattern of COPD management among PCPs and to apply it to the development of Korean COPD guidelines. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was prepared that consisted of 25 questions on the pattern of COPD management. A total of 217 PCPs participated in the survey from June 2006 to May 2007. Results: Many PCPs (61.8%) possessed a spirometer, but the application rate was relatively low (35.8%) and more than half of the COPD patients (57%) did not receive a diagnosis based on spirometry. Administration of oral medication was preferred than the administration of inhaled medication for both stable COPD and acutely exacerbated COPD. More than 90% of the PCPs endorsed educational measures to quit smoking and vaccinate against influenza. It was noted that 56.7% of the PCPs were aware of the GOLD guidelines, but only 7.3% tended to fully implement the recommendations of the guidelines in daily practice. Conclusion: The results of the survey indicate that despite the high awareness rate of the current COPD guidelines, deficits exist among the PCPs with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. The results of this survey should be applied for the development of new COPD guidelines in order to decrease the discrepancy between the guidelines and the daily practice of the PCPs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.588-593
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• 2005

Purpose : Obesity is associated with disturbances of ventilatory functions in adults. But few studies have evaluated the pulmonary complications of obesity in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of obesity on pulmonary function and body composition in obese children. Methods : Forty seven obese children whose ages ranged from nine to twelve years were evaluated for their body composition(intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein mass, mineral mass, soft lean mass, fat mass, percent body fat, fat distribution) by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hemoglobin, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Pulmonary function test was performed by spirometer. Results : Intracellular fluid, protein mass, fat mass, percent body fat and fat distribution were significantly higher in severely obese children with an obesity index of more than 150 percent compared with those with an index of less than 150 percent. Peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) was significantly lower in severely obese children with obesity index of more than 150 percent compared with those with less than 150 percent($241.7{\pm}14.6L/sec$ vs $276.8{\pm}64.3L/sec$). PEFR, forced expiratory flow 25 percent($FEF_{25}$), mid expiratory flow rate(MEFR), forced expiratory flow 50 percent($FEF_{50}$), forced expiratory volume in 1st second($FEV_1$) and forced vital capacity(FVC) were decreased in 37.0 percent, 14.8 percent, 14.8 percent, 11.1 percent, 3.7 percent and 3.7 percent of obese children, respectively. Conclusion : PEFR was significantly decreased in obese children. Pulmonary function test must be performed in severely obese children and more extended study is needed in other age groups.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.638-643
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• 2005

Background : Several studies have shown considerable disagreement when using the $FEV_1$ and PEFR to assess the severity of an airflow obstruction. A differential classification of the severity of asthma would lead to serious differences in the evaluation and management of asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the $FEV_1$ and PEFR in asthma patients with mild symptoms. Methods : In this study, the PEFR and $FEV_1$ were obtained from 92 adult asthma patients with mild symptoms attending an outpatient pulmonary clinic. The mean differences and the limits of agreement in the paired measurements of the $FEV_1$ and PEFR were calculated. Results : There was a considerable correlation between the $FEV_1$ and PEFR measurements when expressed as a % of the predicted values (r=0.686, p<0.01). The 95% limit of agreement (mean difference ${\pm}1.96SD$) between the $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % were acceptable(-27.4%~33.8%). In addition, the weighted ${\kappa}$(kappa) coefficient for the agreement between the $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81), indicating excellent agreement between the two measurements. Conclusion : The spirometer ($FEV_1$) and the Mini-Wright peak flow meter (PEFR) can be used interchangeably in adult asthma patients with mild symptom.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.210-218
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• 2003

Background : Sex specific cross sectional reference values for the lung function indices usually employ a linear model with a term for age and height. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the body mass index (BMI), the fat percentage of the body mass and the fat-free mass index (FFMI) on the forced expiratory volume curve. Methods : Between January 2000 and December 2001, a total of 300 subjects, 150 men and 150 women (mean age : $45{\pm}13$ years), with a normal lung function were enrolled in the study sample. This study measured the $FEV_1$, FVC and $FEF_{25-75%}$ from the forced expiratory volume curve by a spirometer and the body composition by a bioelectrical impedance method in all subjects. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to examine the effects of the body composition on the parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve. Results : After adjusting for age, the BMI and Fat percentage improved the descriptions of the FVC (p<0.05, $r^2=0.491$) and $FEV_1$ (p<0.05, $r^2=0.654$) in women. In contrast, the FFMI contributed significantly to the FVC (p<0.05, $r^2=0.432$) and $FEV_1$ (p<0.05, $r^2=0.567$) in men. The $FEF_{25-75%}$ correlated with the fat percentage in women (p<0.05, $r^2=0.337$). Conclusion : These results suggest that the BMI, the fat percentage and the FFMI are significant determinants of the forced expiratory volume curve. The plmonary function test, when considering the BMI, the fat percentage and the FFMI, might be useful in clinical applications.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.560-569
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• 2003

Background : A large number of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ozone influence on the body. These pollutants put a burden on the lung and the sequelae resulting from the oxidative stress are thought to contribute to the development of fibrotic lung disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Also, carbon monoxide generated from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds is an important component of air pollution caused by traffic exhaust fumes and has the toxic effect of tissue hypoxia and produce various systemic and neurologic complications. The objective of this study is to compare the difference of pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin(CO-Hb) level between the traffic policemen and clerk policemen. Method : Three hundred and twenty-nine of traffic policemen, and one hundred and thirty clerk policemen were included between 2001 May and 2002 August. The policemen who took part in this study were asked to fill out a questionnaire which included questions on age, smoking, drinking, years of working, work-related symptoms and past medical history. The serum CO-Hb level was measured by using carboxyoximeter. Pulmonary function test was done by using automated spirometer. Additional tests, such as elecrocardiogram, urinalysis, chest radiography, blood chemistry, and CBC, were also done. Results : $FEV_1(%)$ was $97.1{\pm}0.85%$, and $105.7{\pm}1.21%$(p<0.05). FVC(%) was $94.6{\pm}0.67%$, and $102.1{\pm}1.09%$, respectively(p<0.05). Serum CO-Hb level was $2.4{\pm}0.06%$, and $1.8{\pm}0.08%$(p<0.05). After correction of confounding factors (age, smoking), significant variables were FVC(%), $FEV_1(%)$ and serum CO-Hb level(%)(p<0.05). Conclusion : Long exposure to air pollution may influence the pulmonary function and serum CO-Hb level. But, further prospective cohort study will be needed to elucidate detailed influences of specific pollutants on pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin level.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.1000-1011
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• 1998

Background: For the diagnosis or evaluation of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disorders, various parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve and maximal expiratory flow volume curve have been used. Recently the peak expiratory flow(PEF) measured by the peak flow meter is widely used because of its simplicity and convenience. But there were still no data of the predicted normal values measured by the peak flow meter in Korea. This study was to obtain the predicted normal value of PEF and to know the accuracy of this value to predict $FEV_1$. Method: The measurements of PEF by the MiniWright peak flow meter and several parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow volume curves by the Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) were done in 129 men and 125 women without previous history of the respiratory diseases. The predicted normal values of parameters according to the age and the height were obtained, and the regression equation of $FEV_1$ by PEF was calculated. Results: The predicted normal values of PEF(L/min) were -2.45$\times$Age(year) +1.36 $\times$ Height(cm)+427 in men, and -0.96 $\times$ Age (year) + 2.01 $\times$ Height (cm) + 129 in women. FEFmax derived from the maximal expiratory flow volume curve was less than by 125 L/min in men and 118 L/min in women respectively compared to PEF. $FEV_1$(ml) predicted by PEF was 5.98 $\times$ PEF(L/min) + 303 in men, and 4.61 $\times$ PEF(L/min) + 291 in women respectively. Conclusion : The predicted normal value of PEF measured by the peak flow meter was calculated and it could be used as a standard value of PEF while taking care of patients with airway obstruction. $FEV_1$, the gold standard of ventilatory function, could be predicted by PEF to a certain extent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.767-773
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• 2023

To In this study, we sought to evaluate related factors affecting lung volume and their significance in pulmonary function and ventilation disorders. As experimental subjects, 206 normal adult men and women who underwent a low-dose chest CT scan and a spirometry test were selected at the same time. The experimental method was to measure lung volume using lung CT images obtained through a low-dose chest CT scan using deep learning-based AVIEW. Measurements were made using the LCS automatic diagnosis program. In addition, the results of measuring lung function were obtained using a spirometer, and gender and BMI were selected as related factors that affect lung volume, and significance was evaluated through an independent sample T-test with lung volume. As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that in evaluating lung volume according to gender, all lung volumes of men were larger than all lung volumes of women. he result of an independent samples T-test using the respective average values for gender and lung volume showed that all lung volumes were larger in men than in women, which was significant (p<0.001). And in the evaluation of lung volume according to BMI index, it was confirmed that all lung volumes of adults with a BMI index of 24 or higher were larger than all lung volumes of adults with a BMI index of less than 24. However, the independent samples T-test using the respective average values for BMI index and lung volume did not show a significant result that all lung volumes were larger in BMI index 24 or higher than in BMI index less than 24 (p<0.055). In the evaluation of lung volume according to the presence or absence of pulmonary ventilation impairment, it was confirmed that all lung volumes of adults with normal pulmonary function ventilation were larger than all lung volumes of adults with pulmonary ventilation impairment. And as a result of the independent sample T-test using the respective average values for the presence or absence of pulmonary ventilation disorder and lung volume, the result was significant that all lung volumes were larger in adults with normal pulmonary function ventilation than in adults with pulmonary function ventilation disorder (p <0.001). Lung volume and spirometry test results are the most important indicators in evaluating lung health, and using these two indicators together to evaluate lung function is the most accurate evaluation method. Therefore, it is expected that this study will be used as basic data by presenting the average lung volume for adults with normal ventilation and adults with impaired lung function and ventilation in similar future studies on lung volume and vital capacity testing.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.558-570
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• 1996

Background : The detection of Collapsible airways has important therapeutic implications in chronic airway disease and bronchial asthma. The distinction of a purely collapsible airways disease from that of asthma is important because the treatment of the dormer may include the use of pursed lip breathing or nasal positive pressure ventilation whereas in the latter, pharmacologic approaches are used. One form of irreversible airflow limitation is collapsible airways, which has been shown to be a Component of asthma or to emphysema, it can be assessed by the volume difference between what exits the lung as determined by a spirometer and the volume compressed as measured by the plethysmography. Method : To investigate whether volume difference between slow and forced vital Capacity(SVC-FVC) by spirometry may be used as a surrogate index of airway collapse, we examined pulmonary function parameters before and after bronchodilator agent inhalation by spirometry and body plethysmography in 20 cases of patients with evidence of airflow limitation(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 12 cases, stable bronchial asthma 7 cases, combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with asthma 1 case) and 20 cases of normal subjects without evidence of airflow limitation referred to the Pusan National University Hospital pulmonary function laboratory from January 1995 to July 1995 prospectively. Results : 1) Average and standard deviation of age, height, weight of patients with airflow limitation was $58.3{\pm}7.24$(yr), $166{\pm}8.0$(cm), $59.0{\pm}9.9$(kg) and those of normal subjects was $56.3{\pm}12.47$(yr), $165.9{\pm}6.9$(cm), $64.4{\pm}10.4$(kg), respectively. The differences of physical characteristics of both group were not significant statistically and male to female ratio was 14:6 in both groups. 2) The difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity was $395{\pm}317ml$ in patients group and $154{\pm}176ml$ in normal group and there was statistically significance between two groups(p<0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were most higher when the cut-off value was 208ml. 3) After bronchodilator inhalation, reversible airway obstructions were shown in 16 cases of patients group, 7 cases of control group(p<0.05) by spirometry or body plethysmography d the differences of slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity in bronchodilator response group and nonresponse group were $300.4{\pm}306ml$, $144.7{\pm}180ml$ and this difference was statistically significant. 4) The difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity before bronchodilator inhalation was correlated with airway resistance before bronchodilator(r=0.307 p=0.05), and the difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity after bronchodilator was correlated with difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity(r=0.559 p=0.0002), thoracic gas volume(r=0.488 p=0.002) before bronchodilator and airway resistance(r=0.583 p=0.0001), thoracic gas volume(r=0.375 p=0.0170) after bronchodilator, respectively. 5) The difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity in smokers and nonsmokers was $257.5{\pm}303ml$, $277.5{\pm}276ml$, respectively and this difference did not reach statistical significance(p>0.05). Conclusion : The difference between slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity by spirometry may be useful for the detection of collapsible airway and may help decision making of therapeutic plans.