Tuberc Respir Dis.  1988 Mar;35(1):44-48. 10.4046/trd.1988.35.1.44.

The Effect of Hemoglobin Level on the Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs

• KMID: 2528625
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1988.35.1.44

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of low hemoglobin level on diffusing capacity of the lungs for CO (D_LCO ), we measured diffusing capacity with single breath method and hemoglobin level before and after blood transfusion in 12 patients with acute gastrointestinal blood loss The results were as follows: 1) Mean hemoglobin levels before and after blood transfusion were 6.6 ± 1.0 g/ dl, and 11.5 ± 1.5 g/dl. 2) Mean diffusing capacities before and after blood transufusion were 65 ± 9.3% and 89 ± 16.5% for normal predicted value. 3) There was a linear correlation between hemoglobin level and diffusing capacity. (Y=0.70X+8. 58. r=0.57, P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study confirmed the fact that D_LCO should be corrected for anemia in the evaluation of lung function.