PULMONARY-FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE-COLITIS

Objectives: We hypothesized that abnormalities in pulmonary function a re present in subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC), Our primary objec tives were (1) to determine the frequency of pulmonary abnormalities i n a sample of subjects with UC, and (2) to compare UC subjects with ab normal pulmonary function tests (PFT) with those who have normal PFT i n terms of smoking behavior and history of preexisting pulmonary disea se, Methods: We selected 100 consecutive UC subjects from the index of subjects currently attending the University of Calgary clinics, Sixty -six were eligible, Fiftg-five (83%) agreed to participate, Results: P FT abnormalities were found in 30 (55%) subjects, Abnormal PFT could n ot be predicted by current or past smoking status, family history of r espiratory diseases, occupational history, or current medication statu s, Conclusions: (1) PFT abnormalities were detected in half of the sub jects, (2) Smoking status was not predictive of these abnormalities.