Evaluation of the functional parameters in scleroderma cases with pulmonary involvement.

To evaluate the relationship between functional changes in the scleroderma patients with pulmonary involvement and the diagnostic tests and to identify the tests that may be helpful in early diagnosis. In this prospective study, 33 scleroderma patients with pulmonary involvement were included. Pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, arterial blood gases, six minute walk tests, thorax high resolution computed tomography were performed and all patients were classified according to MRC dyspnea scores and NYHA(WHO) functional classification. Patients were also asked to conclude Saints Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). DLCO% found to be the earliest deteriorated parameter in our patients. Sensitivity of FVC%/DLCO% ratio, for detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension as a noninvasive method, was found low. SGRQ was found to be correlated with all functional parameters used in scleroderma follow up. Patients with scleroderma should be evaluated for pulmonary involvement and must be followed up ever if they were asymptomatic. Pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, thorax high resolution computed tomography, six minute walk tests are valuable tools that should be used in diagnosis and follow up. NYHA (WHO) functional classification, MRC and Borg dyspnea scores are also helpful for early diagnosis. SGRQ can also be helpful to evaluate the patients functional capacity in diagnosis and follow up as a non invasive parameter.