Changes in lung function of HIV-infected patients: a 4.5-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the development of lung function in HIV-infected patients.


METHODS
In a prospective cohort study, 88 HIV-infected patients had a lung function test performed and 63 patients (72%) had their LFT repeated with a median follow-up period of 4.4 years. Forty-eight per cent were smokers, and at the re-examination, 97% were on combination antiretroviral therapy.


RESULTS
Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity was reduced and decreased over time in both smokers and non-smokers. Alveolar volume decreased and forced vital capacity increased similarly in both smokers and non-smokers. No changes were observed in forced expiratory volume or peak flow, but smokers had reduced values compared with those of the non-smokers at both examinations. FEV1/FVC was reduced especially in smokers and declined in both smokers and non-smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity is reduced in HIV-infected patients and seems to decline over time. Additionally, signs of obstructive lung disease are present in HIV-infected patients and seem to increase over time, although only modestly.
Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. ulriksk@sund.ku.dk
Ulrik Sloth
US
Kristoffersen
Anne-Mette
AM
Lebech
Jann
J
Mortensen
Jan
J
Gerstoft
Henrik
H
Gutte
Andreas
A
Kjaer
D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003718:Denmark; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000821:virology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents