Abstract
Background Currently, two methods for measuring TLC, RV, and FRC are used in clinical pulmonary function laboratories: body plethysmography and helium dilution. However, these methods are not interchangeable. In moderate-to-severe airflow obstruction, dilution method tends to underestimate and body plethysmography tends to overestimate RV. Purpose In 21 patients suffering from COPD (basal FEV 1: 56.69 ± 13.64), we investigated whether the two methods of measuring FRC and RV could respond differently to a 2-week treatment with tiotropium 18 μg/day. Main results Tiotropium induced a significant increase in FEV 1 and FVC but not in IC. At baseline, FRC pleth, RV pleth and TLC pleth were higher than FRC He, RV He and TLC He. At the end of the study FRC pleth, RV pleth and TLC pleth decreased and FRC He, RV He and TLC He increased but only changes in FRC pleth and RV pleth were statistically significant. Conclusion The use of body plethysmography seems to be more appropriate in clinical trials aimed at assessing the impact of a therapeutic procedure in patients with COPD and lung hyperinflation.
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