DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_1087_26 ISSN: 1596-3519

A Study of Pulmonary Functions in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver and Its Correlation with the Severity of the Disease

Md. Sawez, Shahzeb Jilani, Fauzia Zarrin, Gregory Minj, Zikra Ain
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Abstract

Background:

Cirrhosis of the liver is a progressive systemic disorder affecting multiple organ systems. Pulmonary dysfunction is a frequent extrahepatic complication that impacts prognosis, quality of life, and surgical risk. This study aimed to systematically evaluate pulmonary function abnormalities in cirrhotic patients and correlate their severity with disease progression using the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) classification and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores.

Materials and Methods:

A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 118 adult non-smoking cirrhotic patients admitted to the Department of General Medicine at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. Clinical history, biochemical panels, arterial blood gas analysis (on room air and 100% O 2 ), and spirometry were performed.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 52.4 ± 11.2 years. Abnormal spirometry was present in 72.9% ( n = 86) of patients, with restrictive ventilatory defects being the most common pattern (61.0%, n = 72). Reduced Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DL CO <80% predicted) was observed in 71.2% ( n = 84). Hypoxemia (PaO 2 <80 mmHg) was present in 52.5% ( n = 62), and 20.3% ( n = 24) failed to achieve PaO 2 >300 mmHg on 100% O 2 . Pulmonary parameters showed progressive worsening across CTP classes A, B, and C (forced vital capacity FVC % predicted: 82.4 ± 12.6% vs. 70.2 ± 14.8% vs. 56.8 ± 16.4%, P < 0.001). Patients with ascites exhibited significantly lower FVC compared to those without ascites (64.2 ± 17.4% vs. 82.6 ± 14.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Pulmonary dysfunction, particularly restrictive defects and impaired gas exchange, is highly prevalent in patients with liver cirrhosis and strongly correlates with disease severity.

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