Pulmonary Function Test Results In Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Pulmonary complication of IBD includes airway inflammation involving small and large airways, pulmonary paranchymal disease and serositis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) abnormality in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Methods: During spring and summer of 2006, PFT (spirometry and body box plethysmography) of 50 UC patients were compared with 50 healthy persons matched for age and sex (control). Data collection form including demographic specification and UC condition were filled. Results: Mean age of patients was 37.2 years (SD=14.5). Active UC was seen in 24% of patients while 18% of patients suffered from severe UC. PFT results included 42% air trapping (only increase in residual volume/total lung capacity), 20% small airway obstructive pattern (only decrease in maximal expiratory flow at 25-75% of vital capacity), 12% restrictive ventilation defect, 2% obstructive airway, 2% hyperinflation and 6% upper airway obstructive pattern. There was a significant relationship between small airway obstructive pattern and duration of UC and no relationship was noticed between other pulmonary disorders and severity, activity, duration of UC. Conclusion: According to high prevalence of air trapping, small airway disease may be the prominent feature of lung involvement in UC patients. Therefore a meticulous work up for respiratory diseases is necessary in UC patients.