A Systematic Review on the Role of Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment

Abstract

The measurement of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is not included in most common used models of COPD assessment. Here, the goal of this Systematic Review to evaluate the role of DLCO in COPD assessment. We conducted a systematic literature search in Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using a search strategy PICO model on “diffusing capacity or diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide “or” DLCO and COPD and “assessment” were included. The search yielded thousands of papers, of which 11 publications came into light for full review. This review led to that DLCO % predicted might be an important measurement for COPD patients in terms of severity, exacerbation risk, mortality, emphysema domination, and presence of pulmonary hypertension. As diffusion capacity reflects pulmonary ventilation and perfusion at the same time, the predictive value of DLCO or DLCO combined with other criteria worth further exploration.

Chest Heart J. 2023; 47(1) : 63-66