XXXX in survivors of thoracoplasty: reversibility is greater in non-smokers.

@entity1 @entity1576 @entity1224 @entity1907
OBJECTIVE: Before the advent of antituberculous chemotherapy, thoracoplasty (TPL) was the definitive form of therapy for @entity1907 . This study aimed to characterize the late functional sequelae of TPL, and to establish the degree of reversibility of any consequent @entity1224 . METHODOLOGY: Pulmonary function was studied in 21 long-term (mean 35 years) survivors of TPL between the years 1990-2001. RESULTS: A mixed obstructive/restrictive defect was found in this @entity1 cohort. After inhalation of bronchodilator, marginal increases in FEV(1) and FVC and marginal decreases in FRC, RV and TLC were observed. Maximum mid-expiratory flow rate was severely reduced (28.8% of predicted), but reversibility after inhaled beta(2)-agonist was highest for this parameter of pulmonary function (mean 11%). Smokers had a higher RV (P = 0.04), suggesting hyperinflation, while non-smokers had a larger increase in FEV(1)/FVC ratio postbronchodilator (P = 0.004), suggesting more marked reversibility of @entity1224 in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survivors of TPL have an obstructive as well as a restrictive @entity1576 . These @entity1 have partial reversibility of the obstructive defect. The degree of reversibility found suggests that bronchodilator therapy may help these @entity1 .
