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Seo, Choi, Lee, Park, Ko, Won, Keum, Lee, and Jeon: Importance of Carbon Monoxide Transfer Coefficient (KCO) Interpretation in Patients with Airflow Limitation
Original Article

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2005; 59(4): 374-379.

Published online: 31 October 2005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2005.59.4.374

Importance of Carbon Monoxide Transfer Coefficient (KCO) Interpretation in Patients with Airflow Limitation

Yong Woo Seo, M.D., Won-Il Choi, M.D., Jeong Eun Lee, M.D., Hun Pyo Park, M.D., Sung Min Ko, M.D.1, Kyoung Sook Won, M.D.2, Dong Yoon Keum, M.D.3, Mi-Young Lee, M.D.4, Young June Jeon, M.D.

Departments of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

1Departments of Radiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

2Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

3Departments of Thoracic Surgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

4Departments of Preventive Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Won-Il Choi, M.D. Department of Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine 194 Dongsan-Dong, Jung-Gu, Daegu, 700-712, Korea. Phone: 82-53-250-7572, Fax: 82-53-250-7434, wichoi@dsmc.or.kr

Received 27 April 2005       Accepted 5 September 2005

Copyright©2005. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Background

The single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and the per unit alveolar volume (KCO; DLCO/VA) gave discordant values when there was an abnormal alveolar volume (VA). However, the clinical significance of the discordant values in patients with airflow limitation has not been examined. This study investigated the DLCO and KCO changes after improving the airflow limitation.

Methods

The baseline DLCO and KCO with lung volume were measured in patients with an airflow obstruction. The effective alveolar volume was measured using the single-breath CH4 dilution method. The patients divided into two groups according to the baseline values: (1) increased KCO in comparison with the DLCO (high discordance) (2) decreased or not increased KCO in comparison with the DLCO (low discordance). The diffusion capacity and lung volume were measured after treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference in the baseline lung volumes including the FEV1 and FVC between the two groups. The FEV1 and FVC were significantly increased in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group after treating the airflow limitation. The DLCO and alveolar volume were significant higher in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group while the TLC was not.

Conclusion

The discordance between the DLCO and KCO could be translated into an airflow reversibility in patients with an airflow limitation

Keywords: DLCO, KCO, Pulmonary function test, Obstructive lung disease

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