COPD patients with severe diffusion defect in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity predict a better outcome for pulmonary rehabilitation

Conclusion Pulmonary rehabilitation improves oxygenation, severity of dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life independent of level of carbon monoxide diffusion capacity in patents with COPD. Furthermore pulmonary rehabilitation may improve Dl CO values in COPD patients with severe diffusion defect.
Source: Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research