Die Diffusionskapazität der Lunge bei Silikose

Abstract

As compared with healthy persons of the same ages an average reduction of the CO-diffusing capacity of 8. 1% at rest and 4.2% during effort of 80 watt was found by the steady state method (Filley et al. in 85 patients with non-obstructive silicosis. There was no relationship between the stage of silicosis as shown by X-ray and the extent of the diffusing capacity. At rest 15%, and during effort 3% respectively of those investigated showed a reduced diffusing capacity which was for the most part slight. No significant correlation was demonstrable either at rest or during effort between diffusing capacity and arterial PO2 [oxygen pressure]. Compared with the normal subjects the silicotics showed hyperventilation both at rest and during effort. This is considered to be the result of the increase in the size of the functional dead space and its causes and effects on Dco [co diffusing capacity] are discussed. A disorder of distribution is regarded as the essential cause of the limitation of diffusing capacity in silicotics.