Assessment of pulmonary function in ankylosing spondylitis patients

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess pulmonary function in ankylosing spondylitis [AS] patients. Pulmonary function tests and integrative cardiopulmonary exercise testing [CPET] were studied in 20 AS patients and 20 healthy individuals. All subjects were also assessed for functional status with BASFI, measurement of chest expansion, lumbar spinal flexion with the modified Schober's method, and peripheral muscle function]assessed by measuring both muscle strength [knee extensors] and amount [lean body mass][. The typical respiratory function abnormalities in AS were those of restrictive changes with decreased FVC, FEV1, VO2 max., and normal FEV1/FVC. Pulmonary function showed correlations with chest expansion, lumbar stiffness as well as peripheral muscle function. This study showed that, in AS patients, pulmonary function tests were defective and confirmed a restrictive type of impairment. Evaluation of pulmonary function and encouragement for more regular exercise to improve spinal mobility and muscle function should be given greater emphasis in ankylosing spondylitis patients