Author/Authors :
Amra، Babak نويسنده , , Iraj، Bijan نويسنده , , Seyyed Benakdar، Zahra نويسنده Associate Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , , Sanei، Hamid نويسنده Department of Internal Medicine , , Golshan، Mohammad نويسنده Professor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus involves different body organs including lungs. However, there
is limited information on the systemic lupus without respiratory symptoms. The aim of this
study was to investigate the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in women with
disseminated lupus erythematosus and to compare it with a control group.
METHODS: This prospective study was conducted during 2005 in the Rheumatology Clinic of
Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and
pulmonary parameters were measured using the unrelated samples in 76 female patients with
systemic lupus.
RESULTS: Mean diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in patients with lupus was
lower than the control group (P ? 0.001). The amount of corrected volumetric capacity of
carbon monoxide in lungs of patients was significantly different from the control group
(P ? 0.001). Residual volume and total capacity of lungs in the female patients with lupus were
higher than the control group (P ? 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in lungs of females with
systemic lupus without respiratory symptoms is prevalent. It indicates alveolar capillary
membrane involvement in these patients. Increased residual volume and total capacity of lungs
in these patients can be caused by bronchiolitis.
