Clinical assessment of a rebreathing method for measuring pulmonary gas transfer.

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Abstract
A rebreathing method for measuring CO transfer factor (TLCO) and transfer coefficient (KCO) is evaluated. The test was performed on 42 subjects. Of these, 17 had normal lung function while the remainder suffered from various conditions, most having fibrosing alveolitis. No patients with severe airways obstruction were included in the group. Results were compared with single-breath measurements and close correlations were found between single-breath KCO and rebreathing KCO (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and between single-breath TLCO and rebreathing TLCO (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). The reasons for discrepancies between single-breath and rebreathing values are discussed. Measurement of rebreathing gas transfer is a useful supplement to routine tests of lung function, particularly in breathless patients with a small vital capacity.