Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves in the diagnosis of obstructive lung diseases
Zil'ber, E.A.; Shun'ko, B.E.
Terapevticheskii Arkhiv 53(3): 87-91
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-3660 PMID: 7256619 Document Number: 177278
The maximal expiration flow-volume curve (MEFV) was registered in 64 healthy subjects and 30 patients with chronic obstructive diseases of the lungs (94 persons, total). In the same persons, the static volumes of the lungs, the volume of forced expiration in 1 s (FEV1) and the total respiratory resistance (TRR) were measured using the method of forced oscillations. In healthy subjects, the flow-volume decreased by the end of the expiration: the lesser the lung volume, the lesser the flow. Flow-volumes in males were > in females; a decrease of the flow-volumes with age was also observed. Smoking caused a statistically significant diminution of the flow at any volume of the lungs, especially at 25% of the lung vital capacity. Chronic obstructive diseases of the lungs were accompanied by a sharp diminution of the flow: at 25% of the lung vital capacity it was diminished 3-4 times compared to that registered in healthy persons of the same age and sex. The MEFV curve detects earlier stages of obstructive disturbances than the FEV1 test and the TRR measurement. Registration of the MEFV curve will be the best functional test for revealing early preclinical obstructive disturbances at epidemiological examinations.