Abstract
Introduction:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compromises respiratory function by affecting chestwall mechanics and pulmonary parenchyma. Pulmonary function tests from previous studies revealed a restrictive pattern of breathing, ranging from 18 to 57%. Data regarding FRC values are contradictory.(1,2)
Objectives: The scope of our study was to evaluate PFTs in a Greek cohort of AS patients and compare our results with similar studies from other groups.
Methods: We examined 34 AS patients from our Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic. Data from spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity were collected for further analysis.
Results: Mean and SD values are shown at Table 1.
Mean disease duration 18 years, which is a significant period at the natural history of the disease itself and its consequences.
A significant number of patients (67,6%, 23 out of 34) had TLC values less than 80% of the predicted values. 44% of our patients (15 out of 34) had a restrictive breathing pattern.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that in our ankylosing spondylitis patients TLC values were lower than in previous studies. A significant number of our patients had also a restrictive pattern, which seems to be correlated with the disease duration itself.
References:
1)Total respiratory resistance and reactance in ankylosing spondylitis and kyphoscoliosis. Van Noord et al. Eur Respir J. 1991;4:945-951
2)Chest wall kinematics and respiratory muscle action in ankylosing spondylitis patients. Romagnoli I., et al Eur Respir J. 2004;24:453-460.
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