Functional classification of chronic airflow limitation based on flow-volume and single-breath nitrogen washout criteria

Date
1983
Authors
Brundler J.P.
Lewis C.M.
De Kock M.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
A simple means of functional classification of the individual patient has been devised. The performance of a forced flow-volume manoeuvre in concert with a single-breath nitrogen washout procedure in 54 comprehensively investigated patients with chronic airflow limitation yielded two parameters which could be employed in classification. A normalized alveolar nitrogen slope (FEV1/FVC · ΔN2%) greater than 4.0% per litre clearly delineated emphysema. The peak flow ratio (PEFR/PIFR%) categorized other subgroupings: a value in excess of 100% strongly suggests primary bronchial disease, while a lower value almost certainly indicates a mixed functional disorder.
Description
Keywords
airway obstruction, diagnosis, human, lung flow volume curve, major clinical study, methodology, nitrogen washout, respiratory system, single breath nitrogen test, Forced Expiratory Flow Rates, Human, Lung Diseases, Obstructive, Nitrogen, Pulmonary Emphysema, Pulmonary Ventilation
Citation
Respiration
44
1