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Interpretation of pulmonary function tests: beyond the basics

Bashar S Staitieh, Octavian C Ioachimescu
DOI: 10.1136/jim-2016-000242 Published 26 January 2017
Bashar S Staitieh
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Octavian C Ioachimescu
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
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Abstract

Although the general framework described in the joint American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines provides a useful and practical method for the interpretation of pulmonary function tests, several other measurements and functional indices, if understood correctly, may help in diagnosis and management of patients with respiratory diseases and in design of research protocols. This review provides information on the underlying physiology, interpretative caveats, and the evidence supporting the use of a number of these indices. Some of these measurements, such as the inspiratory fraction, inspiratory capacity/total lung capacity (IC/TLC), may offer additional prognostic information, while others, such as residual volume (RV)/TLC and forced expiratory volume in 3 s/forced vital capacity (FEV3/FVC), may help fill in the gaps between patient symptoms and more traditional indices of pulmonary function. Although most studies of non-traditional indices focus on airflow-limiting disorders, many can be fruitfully applied in other settings. Understanding the physiology that catalyzed these investigations will undoubtedly enrich the functional assessment armamentarium of the practicing clinician and researcher.

Footnotes

  • Contributors BSS and OCI designed and conceived of the study. BSS prepared the initial draft of the manuscript and figures. BSS and OCI edited and revised the manuscript and figures.

  • Competing interests Currently or in the last 12 months, OCI received research funding from the following sources: Department of Veterans Affairs, GSK, Astrazeneca, Cempra, Portola, Cubist, Trius, Merck and Janssen. None of these represent any conflicts with the current article.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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Vol 65 Issue 2 Table of Contents
Journal of Investigative Medicine: 65 (2)
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Interpretation of pulmonary function tests: beyond the basics
Bashar S Staitieh, Octavian C Ioachimescu
Journal of Investigative Medicine Feb 2017, 65 (2) 301-310; DOI: 10.1136/jim-2016-000242

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Interpretation of pulmonary function tests: beyond the basics
Bashar S Staitieh, Octavian C Ioachimescu
Journal of Investigative Medicine Feb 2017, 65 (2) 301-310; DOI: 10.1136/jim-2016-000242
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Interpretation of pulmonary function tests: beyond the basics
Bashar S Staitieh, Octavian C Ioachimescu
Journal of Investigative Medicine Feb 2017, 65 (2) 301-310; DOI: 10.1136/jim-2016-000242
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