OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that abnormalities in pulmonary function are present in subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). Our primary objectives were (1) to determine the frequency of pulmonary abnormalities in a sample of subjects with UC, and (2) to compare UC subjects with abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) with those who have normal PFT in terms of smoking behavior and history of preexisting pulmonary disease. METHODS: We selected 100 consecutive UC subjects from the index of subjects currently attending the University of Calgary clinics. Sixty-six were eligible. Fifty-five (83%) agreed to participate. RESULTS: PFT abnormalities were found in 30 (55%) subjects. Abnormal PFT could not be predicted by current or past smoking status, family history of respiratory diseases, occupational history, or current medication status. CONCLUSIONS: (1) PFT abnormalities were detected in half of the subjects. (2) Smoking status was not predictive of these abnormalities.
OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that abnormalities in pulmonary function are present in subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). Our primary objectives were (1) to determine the frequency of pulmonary abnormalities in a sample of subjects with UC, and (2) to compare UC subjects with abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) with those who have normal PFT in terms of smoking behavior and history of preexisting pulmonary disease. METHODS: We selected 100 consecutive UC subjects from the index of subjects currently attending the University of Calgary clinics. Sixty-six were eligible. Fifty-five (83%) agreed to participate. RESULTS:PFT abnormalities were found in 30 (55%) subjects. Abnormal PFT could not be predicted by current or past smoking status, family history of respiratory diseases, occupational history, or current medication status. CONCLUSIONS: (1) PFT abnormalities were detected in half of the subjects. (2) Smoking status was not predictive of these abnormalities.