Pulmonary function in adults with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our aim was to determine the pattern of pulmonary dysfunction. METHODS: pulmonary function test was performed in sickle cell disease patient and these findings were compared with the normal subjects. RESULTS: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory flow rate at 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF(25%-75%)), and expiratory flow rate values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the controls. There was higher incidence of restrictive lung disease amongst person with abnormal lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal pulmonary functions were found in 42% of the patients. PFT parameters are significantly decreased as compared to the control. Common abnormality seen is the restrictive lung disease.