Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences

Published by : PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS

ISSN 1681-715X

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Volume 26

January - March  2010

Number  1


 

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Diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (DLCO) in
chemical lung injuries due to the use of mustard gas in the
poisoned soldiers of Iran-Iraq war 2006

Hamid Rouhi1, Forouzan Ganji2

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the Mustard gas exposure effects on pulmonary system, particularly on diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (DLCO) and simple spirometry .

Methodology: Sixty-five sulfur mustard- poisoned soldiers from Mostazafan and Janbazan organization were referred to our center in 2005. Complete history, physical examination, chest X ray, Echocardiography, Arterial blood gas, high – resolution computerized tomography, diffusion capacity for lung carbon monoxide and spirometry of these were performed and compared this result with normal value.

Results: The mean value of indices in studied injured subjects was: Spirometry: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) = 70.4, Forced vital capacity (FVC) = 66.5, EFE 25-75= 81.1, FEV1/FVC=101.9, Flow 25% = 28.7, Flow 50%= 72.9, Flow 75%= 100.1, Sample volume: Functional residual capacity of lungs (FRC) = 131.5, residual volume (RV) = 157.3, RV/TLC= 169.1, Total lung capacity (TLC) = 91.3, KCO= 131.6, TLCO= 116.3. No significant correlation was observed between TLCO values with HRCT, echocardiography, ABG and spirometry values (P>0.05).

Conclusion: We recommend TLCO & RV/TLV tests to assess severity of Injuries as there is no a suitable criterion to measure the real consequences of mustard gas on affected combatants. and Biological markers are also needed to determine cause- effect relations.

KEY WORDS: Mustard gas, Chemical injuries, Pulmonary function test (PFT), Diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (DLCO).

Pak J Med Sci    January - March 2010    Vol. 26 No. 1    66-70

How to cite this article:

Rouhi H, Ganji F. Diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (DLCO) in chemical lung injuries due to the use of mustard gas in the poisoned soldiers of Iran-Iraq war 2006. Pak J Med Sci 2010;26(1):66-70


1. Hamid Rouhi MD.
Internist & Pulmonologist, Associated Professor
Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences,
Hajar Hospital, Dept. of Internal Medicine Shahrekord, Iran.
2. Forouzan Ganji, MD.
Specialist in Community Medicine, Research Department.
1-2. Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Correspondence:

Forouzan Ganji, MD.
Email: foruzan2000@yahoo.co.in

* Received for Publication: December 6, 2007
* Revision Received: September 10, 2009
* Revision Accepted: December 5, 2009



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