Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Reference values for the carbon monoxide diffusion (transfer factor) in a brazilian sample of white race

ABSTRACT

Objective

To derive reference values from white race adults, for DCO in a sample from different sites in Brazil, through the same equipment model (Sensormedics), and compare the results with the derivatives from Crapo, Miller, Neder equations and from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) proposal.

Methods

The tests were performed according to the norms suggested by ATS/ERS in 2005 in six Brazilian cities, with 120 adult volunteers of each gender, non-smokers, without referred anemia and without lung or cardio diseases. The expected values were derived from linear regressions and the differences between the values forecasted by some authors and the ones observed in the current study were calculated.

Results

Among men, the age varied between 25 and 88 years old, and the height varied between 140 and 176 cm. DCO was correlated significantly and positively with the height and negatively with the age. The values forecasted by Crapo, Neder, and Miller equations were higher in comparison with the ones obtained by the current study (p<0.01) in both genders. Among men, the values did not differ when compared to the ones calculated by GLI (p=0.29); among women, the values derived by GLI were slightly higher: 0.99 ml/min/mmHg (p<0.01).

Conclusion

new values forecasted for DCO were derived in a sample of white adults in Brazil. The forecasted values are similar to the ones complied by GLI equations and differ from the previously proposed equations.

Keywords:
Transfer factor; Pulmonary diffusing capacity; Diffusion; Carbon monoxide; Reference values; Lung function tests

RESUMO

Objetivo

Derivar valores de referência em adultos brancos para a difusão do monóxido de carbono (DCO) em uma amostra de diferentes locais do Brasil por um mesmo modelo de equipamento (Sensormedics) e comparar os resultados com os derivados pelas equações de Crapo, Miller e Neder, e da proposta pelo Global Lung Initiative (GLI).

Métodos

Os testes foram realizados de acordo com as normas sugeridas pela ATS/ERS, em 2005, em seis cidades brasileiras, em 120 voluntários adultos de cada sexo, não fumantes, sem anemia referida e sem doenças pulmonares ou cardíacas. Os previstos foram derivados por regressões lineares e as diferenças entre os valores previstos por alguns autores e os observados no estudo atual foram calculadas.

Resultados

Nos homens, a idade variou de 25 a 88 anos e a estatura, de 156 a 189 cm. Nas mulheres, a idade variou de 21 a 92 anos e a estatura, de 140 a 176 cm. A DCO se correlacionou de maneira significativa positivamente com a estatura e negativamente com a idade. Os valores previstos pelas equações de Crapo, Neder e Miller foram maiores em comparação aos obtidos pelo estudo atual (p<0,01) em ambos os sexos. Nos homens, os valores não diferiram quando comparados aos calculados pelo GLI (p=0,29); nas mulheres, os valores derivados pelo GLI foram levemente maiores: 0,99 mL/min/mmHg (p<0,01).

Conclusões

Novos valores previstos para a DCO foram derivados em uma amostra de adultos brancos no Brasil. Os valores previstos são semelhantes aos compilados pelas equações GLI e diferem de equações propostas anteriormente.

Descritores:
Fator de transferência; Capacidade de difusão pulmonar; Difusão; Monóxido de carbono; Valores de referência; Testes de função pulmonar

INTRODUCTION

The measurement of the diffusion of carbon monoxide (DCO) or transfer factor for CO, by a single breath, is an essential test at the diagnostic assessment and at the functional follow up in several breathing conditions.(11 Enright P. Office-based DLCO tests help pulmonologists to make important clinical decisions. Respir Investig. 2016;54(5):305-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resinv.2016.03.006. PMid:27566377.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resinv.2016....
) Reference values were derived and validated for the spirometry in Brazil.(22 Pereira CAC, Sato T, Rodrigues SC. New reference values for forced spirometry in white adults in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(4):397-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008. PMid:17982531.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007...
,33 Duarte AAO, Pereira CAC, Rodrigues SCS. Validation of new brazilian predicted values for forced spirometry in caucasians and comparison with predicted values obtained using other reference equations. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(5):527-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000500007. PMid:18026650.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007...
) The reference value selection for DCO is more difficult than the choice of the reference value for spirometry, due to the large variation among laboratories.(44 Pellegrino R, Viegi G, Brusasco V, Crapo RO, Burgos F, Casaburi R, et al. Interpretative strategies for lung function tests. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(5):948-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00035205. PMid:16264058.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
) In 2005, the task force of ATS/ERS did not recommend the adoption of any specific equation for DCO. However, it suggested that the values forecasted for the alveolar volume (AV) for DCO and for the diffusion coefficient (kCO) should derive from the same source.(44 Pellegrino R, Viegi G, Brusasco V, Crapo RO, Burgos F, Casaburi R, et al. Interpretative strategies for lung function tests. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(5):948-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00035205. PMid:16264058.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
)

In Brazil, Crapo proposed equations and the ones derived from Neder are used; however, the foreseen values are higher than other studies.(55 Johnston R. What’s normal about the GLI DLCO reference values? [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Feb 6]. Available from: pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the-gli-dlco-reference-values
pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the...

6 Crapo RO, Morris AH. Standardized single breath normal values for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1981;123(2):185-9. PMid:7235357.
-77 Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008. PMid:10412551.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999...
) Yet, other equations, like the ones proposed by Miller, show lower forecast.(55 Johnston R. What’s normal about the GLI DLCO reference values? [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Feb 6]. Available from: pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the-gli-dlco-reference-values
pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the...
,88 Miller A, Thornton JC, Warshaw R, Anderson H, Teirstein AS, Selikoff IJ. Single breath diffusing capacity in a representative sample of the population of Michigan, a large industrial state. Predicted values, lower limits of normal, and frequencies of abnormality by smoking history. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(3):270-7. PMid:6830050.)

In the last years, there was a great development in the lung function equipment, such as the advent of quick response gas analyzers, with excellent linearity and accuracy. This led to more precise results and most demanding proposals regarding the performance of single breath test for measuring DCO in comparison with the previously suggested guidelines.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
,1010 Graham BL, Brusasco V, Burgos F, Cooper BG, Jensen R, Kendrick A, et al. 2017 ERS/ATS standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016-2016. PMid:28049168.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016...
)

In 2017, the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) derived reference values for the DCO by compiling the obtained values in several studies made after the 2000, in more modern equipment. The foreseen values by this equation are lower in comparison with the ones previously published and must be validated.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
)

The objective of this study was to derive reference values from the white race to the DCO in a sample of different sites in Brazil by the same equipment model (Sensormedics) and to compare the results with the derived ones from Crapo, Miller, Neder equations and from GLI proposal.(66 Crapo RO, Morris AH. Standardized single breath normal values for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1981;123(2):185-9. PMid:7235357.

7 Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008. PMid:10412551.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999...
-88 Miller A, Thornton JC, Warshaw R, Anderson H, Teirstein AS, Selikoff IJ. Single breath diffusing capacity in a representative sample of the population of Michigan, a large industrial state. Predicted values, lower limits of normal, and frequencies of abnormality by smoking history. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(3):270-7. PMid:6830050.,1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
)

METHODS

Data were obtained between 2015 and 2017 in six Brazilian cities by systems of the same brand (Sensormedics, Yorba Linda, California).

DCO was measured in all the sites according to the norms suggested by ATS/ERS in 2005, using the CO (0.30%) and CH4 (0.30%) as gases test.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
) FiO2 was of 0.21. The lung volumes were simultaneously determined by plethysmography. The equipment measures the room temperature by electronic thermometer and the barometric pressure by internal gauge. It performs the conversion of the corrected exhaled gas volume for the corporal conditions of temperature and water vapor pressure into the barometric pressure (BTPS).

The equipment dead space and the valve volume, by default, are fixed, from 0.15 L and 0.08 L, respectively.

The individuals were selected by oral invitation, and they are more commonly family members or companions and, eventually, school staff, and of different socioeconomic levels. The volunteers that accepted and consented in participating initially answered a respiratory questionnaire translated from the American Thoracic Society/Division of Lung Diseases, validated in our country and signed the informed consent form.(1212 Ferris BG. Epidemiology standardization project (American Thoracic Society). Am Rev Respir Dis. 1978;118(6 Pt 2):1-120. PMid:742764.,1313 Aguiar VAN, Beppu OS, Romaldini H, Ratto OR, Nakatani J. Validade de um questionário respiratório modificado (ATS-DLD-78) como instrumento de um estudo epidemiológico em nosso meio. J Pneumol. 1988;14(3):111-6.)

The devices were daily calibrated with a three-liter syringe and weekly submitted to biological controls by the lab employees. The exams were performed by technicians or doctors certified in lung function by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tisiology (SBPT).

The study inclusion criteria were the same as the ones used in the study for the spirometry values derivation in 2007, added a question related to the presence of anemia, which should be absent.(22 Pereira CAC, Sato T, Rodrigues SC. New reference values for forced spirometry in white adults in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(4):397-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008. PMid:17982531.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007...
)

The weight and height were measured according to SBPT recommendations.(1414 Pereira CAC, Neder JA. Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT). Diretrizes para Testes de Função Pulmonar. J Bras Pneumol. 2002;28(Supl. 3):1-238.) Obese people (BMI>30 kg/m2) were excluded.

The DCO measures were performed after the spirometry measures.

They should meet the acceptance and reproducibility criteria suggested by SBPT.(1414 Pereira CAC, Neder JA. Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT). Diretrizes para Testes de Função Pulmonar. J Bras Pneumol. 2002;28(Supl. 3):1-238.) The observed CVF values were compared to the ones forecasted for the Brazilian population derived in 2007.(22 Pereira CAC, Sato T, Rodrigues SC. New reference values for forced spirometry in white adults in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(4):397-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008. PMid:17982531.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007...
)

The volume inhaled in the maneuver should be ≥85% of the vital capacity and should be completed in less than 4s. At least two acceptable maneuvers with a difference of ±10% of the highest value and less than 3 ml/min/mmHg were obtained, with 4 min interval. The final registered value was derived from the average of the acceptable maneuver values.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
)

The inspiratory time, measured by Jones and Meade method, should be between 8-12s. As acceptance criteria, during the sustained respiration, there should not exist leaking, or excessive pressure variations in the mouth, exhibited in the monitor during the test performance, indicating Muller and Valsalva maneuver. The exhalation should last for less than 4s. The volume discarded at the exhalation before the alveolar gas sample collection was 0.75 L.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
)

The variables of numeric nature were analyzed by average and standard deviation and the amount of these variables were compared between the genders using the t-test of Student.

Linear regressions were used for reference values derivations, considering variables with p≤0.10 at the univariate analysis.

The differences between the values observed in the current study and the ones forecasted for CPT by Crapo, Miller, Neder equations and the ones suggested by GLI were calculated in the total sample and at representative ages and height of each gender. The average difference and its significance were calculated by the matched t-test.

All the tests were individually rechecked by one of the authors (CACP), and the ones that did not meet the acceptance and reproducibility criteria were excluded. The cases considered discrepant by distribution after graphs blox plot and the ones where the residues derived from the equations exceeded the acceptable values were also excluded.(1515 Pallant J. Multiple regression. In: Pallant J. SPSS – Survival manual. 2nd ed. Berkshire: Open University Press; 2005. p. 140-59.)

The statistical analysis was performed ofusing the statistics software SPSS-22. By the comparison multiplicity, the significant p-value was considered < 0.01.

With full documentation of all the involved sites, the project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Hospital Madre Teresa/Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, under register number 1617108.

RESULTS

Initially, 292 cases were evaluated; 45 were excluded for inadequate tests and 7 for discrepant values. In the end, 240 cases were included, 120 of each gender. In decreasing order, 153 (63.8%) were from São Paulo, 28 from Salvador, 25 from Criciúma, 25 from Belo Horizonte and 9 from other sites.

The distribution by age, height and BMI is separately shown by each gender in Table 1. Among men, the age varied from 25 to 88 years old, the average height was of 173cm, varying from 156 to 189cm. Among women, the age varied from 21 to 92 years old, the average height was 160cm, varying from 140 to 176cm.

Table 1
Distribution of patients by gender, age, height, and body mass index.3

The main functional parameters average, including values for DCO, kCO and alveolar volume (VA), are shown in Table 2. All the values were higher in the male gender, except for CVF in the percentage of the forecasted and kCO, that did not show a significant difference between the genders. CVF was 98.7% of the forecasted for both genders. The relation between the inspiratory vital ability of the diffusion maneuver and the slow vital ability, obtained separately, was 0.91 ± 0.04 in the total sample.

Table 2
Average of functional variables separated by gender.

VA/CPT relation was in average 0.87 ± 0.07 among men and 0.86 ± 0.08 among women. In both genders the VA/CPT relation was directly correlated with the inspiratory vital ability (r = 0.44 among men and 0.43 among women, p<0.001) and inversely related to age (r = -0.31 among men, and -0.33 among women, p<0.001).

The correlation between DCO and age and height in both genders and the lower limits determined by the 5th percentile of residues are shown in the Figure 1.

Figure 1
Dispersion of the values for the CO Diffusion with height and age of the reference population in the genders male (above) and female (below).

The linear equations derived for the DCO, kCO, and VA are shown in Table 3. DCO significantly correlated with age and height in both genders, VA with height in both genders, kCO only with age in the male gender, and in a poor way only with height in the female gender. By considering the obtained average values, the lower limits, determined by the 5th residue percentile, they were less distant from the average among men (82%), in comparison with the women (78%). The same was observed with kCO: 80% among men and 74% among women.

Table 3
Regression equations, explanation coefficient (r2) and lower limits for CO diffusion, CO diffusion constant and alveolar volume in the reference population of the female and male genders.

The differences were calculated for men and women, between the forecasted values for individuals of the same age and height, by the selected authors, and the ones observed for DCO in this study. In the male gender, the differences were Neder = 7.7 (IC95% = 7.1-8.3); Crapo = 6.5 (IC95% = 5.8-7.2); Miller = 1.7 (IC95% = 1.0-2.3), all of them with p<0.01. The values did not significantly differ when compared to the derived by GLI: -0.32 (IC95% = -0.93 to 0.28).

In the female gender, the differences were also positive. For Crapo = 6.2 (IC95% = 5.7-6.7); Neder = 6.0 (IC95% = 5.5-6.4); Miller = 3.0 (IC95% = 2.5-3.5), all of them with p<0.01. The lower difference was observed with the valued derived by GLI, although in a significant way: 0.99 (IC95% = 0.52 -1.46), p<0.01.

Table 4 shows the comparisons among the average values and the lower limits calculated by the regression equations by the several authors and the values observed in this study, in individuals with representative age and height. The average values and limits closer to the forecasted values and lower limits with the current equations were the ones proposed by GLI. The differences from Neder proposed equations are due to the higher values observed by this author for VA: in the male gender 7.50 L vs 5.92 L in this study (p<0.001) and in the female gender 4.88 L vs 4.18 L (p<0.001). By linear equations, the explanation coefficient (r2) at Neder equation was of 0.24 in the male gender and 0.36 in the female gender, in comparison with the values of 0.60 and 0.53 among men and women, respectively, in this sample.

Table 4
Average values and lower limits calculated by the current equation compared to values calculated by the equations of other authors in individuals with representative age and height.

DISCUSSION

New forecasted values for the DCO measure by a single breath were derived in a multi-centric sample of the Brazilian population of the white race.

In this study, DCO values were expressed in traditional units (ml/min/mmHg). For the conversion into mmol/min/kPa, the values should be divided by 2.987.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
)

The forecasted values for DCO were influenced by gender, age, and height. Despite the weight does not affect the DCO average in obese individuals, VA can be lower and kCO higher, that is why the exclusion of obese individuals in the present study.(1616 Enache I, Oswald-Mammosser M, Scarfone S, Simon C, Schlienger JL, Geny B, et al. Impact of altered alveolar volume on the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in obesity. Respiration. 2011;81(3):217-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000314585. PMid:20453485.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000314585...
)

At the linear equations, the lower limits should be calculated by the subtraction of the 5th residue percentile, a fixed value, of forecasted values.(22 Pereira CAC, Sato T, Rodrigues SC. New reference values for forced spirometry in white adults in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(4):397-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008. PMid:17982531.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007...
) Similar to other studies, the women had higher dispersion of the reference values; that is why the lower limits had been more distant from the median values.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
)

Among adults, DCO along with aging follows a decreasing curve, with relatively stable values in younger individuals and more markedly decline along with aging. This is due to a faster loss of the gas exchange surface, and worsening of the ventilation distribution with aging.(77 Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008. PMid:10412551.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999...
,1717 Georges R, Saumon G, Loiseau A. The relationship of age to pulmonary membrane conductance and capillary blood volume. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1978;117(6):1069-78. PMid:666106.)

The upper limit for DCO was not shown in this study. The meeting value of DCO above the upper limit is small.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
) kCO and VA values were also derived. DCO is the product of kCO x VA; however, the report of DCO/VA relation should be abandoned.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
) There is a great deal of controversy, within the literature, regarding the kCO value at DCO interpretation.(1818 Hughes JM, Pride NB. Examination of the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) in relation to its KCO and VA components. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012;186(2):132-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-2160CI. PMid:22538804.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-21...
,1919 van der Lee I, Zanen P, van den Bosch JM, Lammers JW. Pattern of diffusion disturbance related to clinical diagnosis: the K(CO) has no diagnostic value next to the DL(CO). Respir Med. 2006;100(1):101-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2005.04.014. PMid:15946833.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2005.04...
) If a normal individual performs a submaximal inhalation, during the maneuver for measuring DCO, kCO will be high, and so the kCO can only be valued when the VA falls in the forecasted range.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
) In these cases, when kCO is reduced, in general, DCO will be equally reduced.

DCO is measured during a maneuver sustained in plenary inspiration. The inhalation of tracer gas, non-absorbable, allows estimating the lung volume (“a single maneuver CPT”) and the dilution occurred to CO. VA calculation represents an estimate of the lung gas volume in which CO is distributed through the alveolar-capillary membrane. Therefore, it is essential to measuring DCO. In normal individuals, the adding of VA and the dead space gets close to the CPT measured by plethysmography.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
)

In the present study, the relation between VA/CPT observed, on average 0.87 ± 0.08, was lower than the reported of 0.94 ± 0.07.(1818 Hughes JM, Pride NB. Examination of the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) in relation to its KCO and VA components. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012;186(2):132-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-2160CI. PMid:22538804.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-21...
) Also, different from what has been reported, there was an inverse correlation of this relation with age, suggesting that even in normal individuals, the ventilation distribution, which worsens at aging, can influence VA measure VA.(1818 Hughes JM, Pride NB. Examination of the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) in relation to its KCO and VA components. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012;186(2):132-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-2160CI. PMid:22538804.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-21...
)

In this study, it was not done DCO correction for altitude. The barometric pressure (Pb) decreases with attitude, resulting in lower O2 (PiO2) inhaled pressure, lower O2 (PaO2) alveolar pressure and increase of DCO, for lower “competition” of O2 with CO at the connection with hemoglobin (Hb). It has been suggested, that the reference values for DCO be adjusted to Pb at sea level (760 mmHg). In a study performed in 4 cities in Latin America, the altitude has influenced DCO measures, with higher values observed in the cities of Mexico (2240m) and Bogota (2640 m) in comparison with the ones observed in Santiago (650m) and Caracas (900m).(2020 Vázquez-García JC, Pérez-Padilla R, Casas A, Schönffeldt-Guerrero P, Pereira J, Vargas-Domínguez C, et al. Reference Values for the Diffusing Capacity Determined by the Single-Breath Technique at Different Altitudes: The Latin American Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity Reference Project. Respir Care. 2016;61(9):1217-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04590. PMid:27587868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04590...
) In this study, the altitude of the evaluated sites varied from 8 m (Salvador) to 852 m (Belo-Horizonte). When the several altitudes were included in the analyses for DCO prediction in this study, they did not havesignificant influence. The relation between DCO and Pb was not confirmed with the new systems that use fast action analyzers.(1010 Graham BL, Brusasco V, Burgos F, Cooper BG, Jensen R, Kendrick A, et al. 2017 ERS/ATS standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016-2016. PMid:28049168.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016...
) The DCO correction to Pb in altitudes below 1500m is based in scarce data and should be better evaluated.(1010 Graham BL, Brusasco V, Burgos F, Cooper BG, Jensen R, Kendrick A, et al. 2017 ERS/ATS standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016-2016. PMid:28049168.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016...
)

Ideally, DCO measures should be corrected for the individual level of Hb, but rare laboratories routinely do this correction. In the present study, patients who referred anemia through the questionnaire were excluded. Most of the studies published for the derivation of the reference value did not use correction for Hb level.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
)

The dead space must be considered at VA calculation. In 1995, ATS suggested that fixed value of 0.15 L was used. However, in 2005 the estimated value by the equation weight × 2.2 in ml was suggested in non-obese individuals.(99 Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905. PMid:16204605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00...
,2121 American Thoracic Society. Single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Recommendations for a standard technique: 1995 update. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1995;152(6):2185-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.152.6.8520796. PMid:8520796.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.152.6.8...
) By this equation, in the present sample, the average ± SD of the dead space would be among men 0.17 ± 0.02 L and among women 0.14 ± 0.02 L, values very close to the fixed amount used by default, of 0.15 L.

In this study, the tests were obtained in Sensormedics equipment.

Several equipment were used in GLI study and 29.5% of Sensormedics brand and the average values obtained did not differ among the different equipment.

The derived values in this study were lower thanthe suggested values by Miller, Neder, and Crapo.(66 Crapo RO, Morris AH. Standardized single breath normal values for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1981;123(2):185-9. PMid:7235357.

7 Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008. PMid:10412551.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999...
-88 Miller A, Thornton JC, Warshaw R, Anderson H, Teirstein AS, Selikoff IJ. Single breath diffusing capacity in a representative sample of the population of Michigan, a large industrial state. Predicted values, lower limits of normal, and frequencies of abnormality by smoking history. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(3):270-7. PMid:6830050.) Crapo evaluated 122 individuals of the female gender and 123 of the male gender in Salt Lake City (altitude 1400m).(66 Crapo RO, Morris AH. Standardized single breath normal values for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1981;123(2):185-9. PMid:7235357.) The sample selection method was not described. DCO was corrected to Hb. The authors used FiO2 of 0.25, to simulate FIO2 observed at sea level.

Miller and cols derived values for DCO in a randomized and stratified sample of the state of Michigan.(88 Miller A, Thornton JC, Warshaw R, Anderson H, Teirstein AS, Selikoff IJ. Single breath diffusing capacity in a representative sample of the population of Michigan, a large industrial state. Predicted values, lower limits of normal, and frequencies of abnormality by smoking history. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(3):270-7. PMid:6830050.) Values for non-smokers were derived in 74 men and in 130 women. The values were corrected to Hb.

Neder and cols derived reference values in 50 individuals of each gender, from 20-80 years old, selected at random among the staff od a large hospital in São Paulo.(77 Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008. PMid:10412551.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999...
) Racial profiling was variable. Hb was not measured. Linear equations were used; however, the explanation coefficient was low, indicating large variability of the forecasted values.

At the system used by Neder (MedGraphics), the exhaled gases are analyzed by chromatography, what results in a hyper estimate of the lung volumes, as demonstrated by the VA values compared with the ones observed in the present study.(2222 Thompson BR, Johns DP, Bailey M, Raven J, Walters EH, Abramson MJ. Prediction equations for single breath diffusing capacity (Tlco) in a middle-aged Caucasian population. Thorax. 2008;63(10):889-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thx.2007.091959. PMid:18390632.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thx.2007.09195...
,2323 Jensen RL, Teeter JG, England RD, White HJ, Pickering EH, Crapo RO. Instrument accuracy and reproducibility in measurements of pulmonary function. Chest. 2007;132(2):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1998. PMid:17573502.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1998...
)

GLI project has recently published reference values for DCO in white children and adults, by data compilation derived from 18 sites, obtained after 2000.(1111 Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017. PMid:28893868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010...
) The amounts were derived by LMS (lambda, mu, sigma) methods. The most outstanding result was the meeting of lower values than the suggested by elder equations; however, similar to the ones observed in this study.

Limitations should be recognized in the current study. The most obvious limitation is the uncertainty of data extension to the black race, prevailing in Brazil. Volunteers were invited to attend. Reference value derivation for the lung function should only include non-smoking individuals, without symptoms or cardiorespiratory diseases. For this purpose, a validated breathing epidemiologic questionnaire must be applied. After meeting the above-mentioned conditions, the use of volunteers for establishing the reference value is considered valid.(2424 Gräsbeck R. The evolution of the reference value concept. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2004;42(7):692-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2004.118. PMid:15327001.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2004.118...
,2525 Gutierrez C, Ghezzo RH, Abboud RT, Cosio MG, Dill JR, Martin RR, et al. Reference values of pulmonary function tests for Canadian Caucasians. Can Respir J. 2004;11(6):414-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2004/857476. PMid:15510249.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2004/857476...
)

Diabetic patients were not excluded from the sample. Diabetic white people have lower values for DCO. In a study, when diabetic white people were paired with non-diabetic controls, the DCO was 1.44 ml/min/mmHg lower in the diabetic ones.(2626 Klein OL, Kalhan R, Williams MV, Tipping M, Lee J, Peng J, et al. Lung spirometry parameters and diffusion capacity are decreased in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med. 2012;29(2):212-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03394.x. PMid:21790775.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.20...
)

In coclusion, new forecasted values for DCO were derived in a significant sample of white adults in Brazil. The forecasted values are similar to the ones obtained from more modern systems, compiled by GLI, and differ from previously proposed equations.

  • Study carried out in six centers in Brazil, having as its coordinating center the Madre Teresa Hospital, Belo Horizonte, (MG) Brazil.
  • Financial support: None.

REFERÊNCIAS

  • 1
    Enright P. Office-based DLCO tests help pulmonologists to make important clinical decisions. Respir Investig. 2016;54(5):305-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resinv.2016.03.006 PMid:27566377.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resinv.2016.03.006
  • 2
    Pereira CAC, Sato T, Rodrigues SC. New reference values for forced spirometry in white adults in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(4):397-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008 PMid:17982531.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000400008
  • 3
    Duarte AAO, Pereira CAC, Rodrigues SCS. Validation of new brazilian predicted values for forced spirometry in caucasians and comparison with predicted values obtained using other reference equations. J Bras Pneumol. 2007;33(5):527-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000500007 PMid:18026650.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132007000500007
  • 4
    Pellegrino R, Viegi G, Brusasco V, Crapo RO, Burgos F, Casaburi R, et al. Interpretative strategies for lung function tests. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(5):948-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00035205 PMid:16264058.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00035205
  • 5
    Johnston R. What’s normal about the GLI DLCO reference values? [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Feb 6]. Available from: pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the-gli-dlco-reference-values
    » pftforum.com/blog/whats-normal-about-the-gli-dlco-reference-values
  • 6
    Crapo RO, Morris AH. Standardized single breath normal values for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1981;123(2):185-9. PMid:7235357.
  • 7
    Neder JA, Andreoni S, Peres C, Nery LE. Reference values for lung function tests. III. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1999;32(6):729-37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008 PMid:10412551.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1999000600008
  • 8
    Miller A, Thornton JC, Warshaw R, Anderson H, Teirstein AS, Selikoff IJ. Single breath diffusing capacity in a representative sample of the population of Michigan, a large industrial state. Predicted values, lower limits of normal, and frequencies of abnormality by smoking history. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(3):270-7. PMid:6830050.
  • 9
    Macintyre N, Crapo RO, Viegi G, Johnson DC, van der Grinten CP, Brusasco V, et al. Standardisation of the single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2005;26(4):720-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905 PMid:16204605.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034905
  • 10
    Graham BL, Brusasco V, Burgos F, Cooper BG, Jensen R, Kendrick A, et al. 2017 ERS/ATS standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016-2016 PMid:28049168.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00016-2016
  • 11
    Stanojevic S, Graham BL, Cooper BG, Thompson BR, Carter KW, Francis RW, et al, Official ERS technical standards: Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for the carbon monoxide transfer factor for Caucasians. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(3):1700010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017 PMid:28893868.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00010-2017
  • 12
    Ferris BG. Epidemiology standardization project (American Thoracic Society). Am Rev Respir Dis. 1978;118(6 Pt 2):1-120. PMid:742764.
  • 13
    Aguiar VAN, Beppu OS, Romaldini H, Ratto OR, Nakatani J. Validade de um questionário respiratório modificado (ATS-DLD-78) como instrumento de um estudo epidemiológico em nosso meio. J Pneumol. 1988;14(3):111-6.
  • 14
    Pereira CAC, Neder JA. Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT). Diretrizes para Testes de Função Pulmonar. J Bras Pneumol. 2002;28(Supl. 3):1-238.
  • 15
    Pallant J. Multiple regression. In: Pallant J. SPSS – Survival manual. 2nd ed. Berkshire: Open University Press; 2005. p. 140-59.
  • 16
    Enache I, Oswald-Mammosser M, Scarfone S, Simon C, Schlienger JL, Geny B, et al. Impact of altered alveolar volume on the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in obesity. Respiration. 2011;81(3):217-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000314585 PMid:20453485.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000314585
  • 17
    Georges R, Saumon G, Loiseau A. The relationship of age to pulmonary membrane conductance and capillary blood volume. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1978;117(6):1069-78. PMid:666106.
  • 18
    Hughes JM, Pride NB. Examination of the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) in relation to its KCO and VA components. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012;186(2):132-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-2160CI PMid:22538804.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201112-2160CI
  • 19
    van der Lee I, Zanen P, van den Bosch JM, Lammers JW. Pattern of diffusion disturbance related to clinical diagnosis: the K(CO) has no diagnostic value next to the DL(CO). Respir Med. 2006;100(1):101-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2005.04.014 PMid:15946833.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2005.04.014
  • 20
    Vázquez-García JC, Pérez-Padilla R, Casas A, Schönffeldt-Guerrero P, Pereira J, Vargas-Domínguez C, et al. Reference Values for the Diffusing Capacity Determined by the Single-Breath Technique at Different Altitudes: The Latin American Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity Reference Project. Respir Care. 2016;61(9):1217-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04590 PMid:27587868.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04590
  • 21
    American Thoracic Society. Single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Recommendations for a standard technique: 1995 update. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1995;152(6):2185-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.152.6.8520796 PMid:8520796.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.152.6.8520796
  • 22
    Thompson BR, Johns DP, Bailey M, Raven J, Walters EH, Abramson MJ. Prediction equations for single breath diffusing capacity (Tlco) in a middle-aged Caucasian population. Thorax. 2008;63(10):889-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thx.2007.091959 PMid:18390632.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thx.2007.091959
  • 23
    Jensen RL, Teeter JG, England RD, White HJ, Pickering EH, Crapo RO. Instrument accuracy and reproducibility in measurements of pulmonary function. Chest. 2007;132(2):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1998 PMid:17573502.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1998
  • 24
    Gräsbeck R. The evolution of the reference value concept. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2004;42(7):692-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2004.118 PMid:15327001.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2004.118
  • 25
    Gutierrez C, Ghezzo RH, Abboud RT, Cosio MG, Dill JR, Martin RR, et al. Reference values of pulmonary function tests for Canadian Caucasians. Can Respir J. 2004;11(6):414-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2004/857476 PMid:15510249.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2004/857476
  • 26
    Klein OL, Kalhan R, Williams MV, Tipping M, Lee J, Peng J, et al. Lung spirometry parameters and diffusion capacity are decreased in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med. 2012;29(2):212-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03394.x PMid:21790775.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03394.x

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    17 Oct 2019
  • Date of issue
    2019

History

  • Received
    27 Aug 2018
  • Accepted
    14 Feb 2019
Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia SCS Quadra 1, Bl. K salas 203/204, 70398-900 - Brasília - DF - Brasil, Fone/Fax: 0800 61 6218 ramal 211, (55 61)3245-1030/6218 ramal 211 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: jbp@sbpt.org.br