Features of determining the diffusion capacity of the lungs by carbon monoxide in cystic fibrosis children

Abstract

The article presents current literature data from English-language (search made in PubMed) and Russian-language (search made in eLibrary) sources about the method for measurement of the lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This review presents the general characteristics of this test in children and adults with various diseases, and also describes the conflicting results of studies using this method in CF patients of various ages and disease severity. The expediency, the informativeness, and difficulties of evaluation and interpretation of the test’s results, depending on the age and course of the disease of patients, are discussed. The author concludes that further research of interpretation of indicators determined during the test of the lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, such as the transfer factor, alveolar volume, and their ratio in CF children is necessary.