10/22/03 What pulmonary function tests can tell you?SummaryThere is frequently confusion about what clinically important information can be obtained from pulmonary function tests (PFT). The major assistance of PFT findings in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases was reviewed by Bahhady and Unterbom of the New England Medical Center in Boston, MA. In the evaluation of patients with chronic/recurrent cough and/or wheezing, the FEV-1/FVC ratio is a very sensitive measure of expiratory airflow and its limitations. Occasionally bronchoprovocation testing is indicated in those with intermittent symptoms and normal FEV-1/FVC ratios. Measurements of lung volumes and the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) are often helpful in determining the presence/degree of emphysema or interstitial lung diseases. Reference J Respir Dis 2003; 24:170-76 Editor's Comments This relatively brief review covers well the indications for and value of different PFT. They comment on the common practice of obtaining PFT in all patients scheduled for non-thoracic surgery. They point out that such PFT have very low yield in individuals without histories and/or physical findings suggesting pulmonary symptomatology (or chronic smoking). Therefore, the guidelines of the American College of Physicians indicate that PFT are not indicated in such individuals.
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