INFLUENCE OF LIVER-CIRRHOSIS WITH AND WIT HOUT ASCITIS ON VENTILATORYFUNCTION

Background: The thoracic cavity plays an important role in the mechani cal ventilatory function, and the alteration of some of its structures , such as those which occur in decompensated cirrhosis of the liver, f or example the presence of ascites and muscle atrophy, directly influe nce its normal function. Methods: In the present study we have evaluat ed the ventilatory function and respiratory muscular tension by means of the calculation of volumes, flows and resistances of the airways, a nd also the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (P(i)max, P(e )max). Patients: One hundred patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites without associated respiratory illness, mean age 57 +/- 15 years (ran ge 32-80), were studied, We evaluated the respiratory function before and after the disappearance of the ascites. Results: A restrictive pat tern was evident, and various parameters were altered. The most affect ed being that of the reserve expiratory volume. No associated bronchia l obstruction was observed. Respiratory muscular tension was decreased in both the P(i)max and the P(e)max. With the disappearance of the as cites we found an improvement in the affected parameters, but this did not reach normality. Conclusion: In liver cirrhosis associated with a scites, the most common respiratory pattern, is a decrease in ventilat ory function of a restrictive type, and also a decrease in the respira tory muscular tension, These alterations improve after the resolution of the ascites.