Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity DLCO

The majority of patients with pulmonary hypertension are largely asymptomatic until marked vascular alterations have developed. When blood flow through the pulmonary artery is obstructed over a long period of time, however, the clinical picture is predictable and markedly uniform. In general, the patients exhibit normal pulmonary function measurements, a low carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DlCO), and marked hyperventilation that leads to hypocapnia and decreased serum bicarbonate concentrations. Additional symptoms include weakness, fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and chest pains upon exertion due to low cardiac output and hypoxemia. Occasionally, hoarseness, hemoptysis, and cyanosis occur. 

Dlco = diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide FEVi after 1 second FVC = forced vital capacity. 

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Dlco diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide DPI dry powder inhaler FEVi forced expiratory volume in 1 second FVC forced vital capacity... 

DKIE Decontamination Kit, Individual Equipment Dlco lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide DM diphenylaminearsine, also called adamsite 4-DMAP 4-dimethylaminophenol... 

Lung function tests are also of diagnostic value in allergic alveolitis and, if possible, should be carried out in all cases. It is useful to follow the lung function during the recovery phase. The preferable methods are static and dynamic spirometry and measurement of the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO). The latter is the most sensitive test and the capacity can still be reduced after the chest X-ray has become normalized (Tukiainen et al. 1980 Kokkarinen et al. 1993). 

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