Pulmonary Function Tests Abnormalities In Parkinson Disease

Abstract

Objective: In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other extrapyramdial disorders, respiratory problems commonly contribute to morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of pulmonary function tests (PFT) abnormalities in patients with PD. Materials and Methods: PFTs performed in 25 patients suffered PD (19 male 69%, 6 Female 24 % ) without known respiratory and cardiovascular disease and no history of smoking and 25 healthy individuals as an age and sex matched control group. We obtained Body plethysmographic measurements of lung volumes and respiratory determinations of PFT. PD severity was evaluated by Hoehn and Yahr staging. Results: The mean age of PD onset was 58.8±11.6 years. 44 % (n= 4) of patients in H-Y Group 1, and 75 % (n= 6) in group 2 and 3 and 75% (n=6) in group 4 and 5 had abnormal PFT values. Between various tests, the Residual Volume (RV>120 % of normal value); Forced Vital Capacity (FVC<80 % of normal value) and FEV1 / FVC Ratio<75 % of normal ratio, were significantly abnormal in patients with PD compared with the controls, (p<0.05). Also obstructive pulmonary function disorders were significantly common in patients, (p<0.04). Conclusions: Obstructive pattern of respiratory abnormalities is the most common type of PFT impairment in PD patients. The evaluation and rehabilitation of pulmonary disorders should be routinely included in the management of PD patients. This study has supported by Research Assistance of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences