Pathologic Lung Function in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Defects

Abstract

Lung function tests (i.e., spirometry, flow volume, and body plethysmography) were performed in 213 patients (age 6–21 years, mean 11.3 years) with hemodynamically significant congenital heart defects: atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot, aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. We measured lung vital capacity, total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV), the percentage ratio of the latter two measurements (%RV/TLC), maximal expiratory flow rates at 25% and 50% of vital capacity, and specific airway conductance. Pulmonary restriction dominated in patients with tetralogy of Fallot; pulmonary hyperinflation was more frequent in patients with VSD and coarctation of the aorta; and obstruction of the airways was observed most frequently in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. In conclusion, we found a range of pathologic lung function parameters in patients with hemodynamically significant congenital heart defects.