The alveolar carbon monoxide uptake fraction: a simple, alternative measure of carbon monoxide transfer.
The measurement and interpretation of "diffusing capacity" by either single-breath or steady-state methods are complicated by both technical and conceptual difficulties. The CO uptake fraction is less complex but, as originally described, it is unacceptably sensitive to dead-space ventilation. A modification (the "alveolar CO uptake fraction", UA) largely removes this factor. We have measured UA in thirteen healthy subjects and 100 patients with a variety of pulmonary disorders. It is reproducible and appears sensitive to clinical abnormality. Its technical and interpretative simplicity suggest its use as an alternative to other measures of CO transfer.
Ameratunga
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Clinical Physiology Department, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Harris
E A
EA
D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000502:physiology*; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000502:physiology*; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin