A role of pulmonary function testing for detecting ventilation and gas exchange disorders in multilobar community-acquired pneumonia convalescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze lung function in multilobar community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) convalescents. Methods. Spirometry, body plethysmography, and lung diffusing capacity were measured according to the joint European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society standards (2005). The carbon monoxide lung diffusing capacity was evaluated using a single breath-hold technique and was adjusted for hemoglobin. Results . The complete clinical and radiological resolution of CAP did not accompanied by recovery of lung function in all cases. Obstructive ventilation disorders were diagnosed in 18.2% of patients, restrictive ventilation disorders were diagnosed in 12.1% of patients, and gas exchange abnormalities were diagnosed in 51.5% of the patients. Conclusion. Lung function and gas exchange testing is an important marker of the patient's convalescence after CAP and duration of the recovery; it also could predict the need in subsequent follow-up.