Dlco and kco meaning and ranges

[Caitlyn6]

Hi everybody. I saw a respiratory consultant recently following a lung function test. I received a follow up letter from him today copy of letter to gp) which said my dclo was 69.5% and kco 75.3 ( in February). Spirometer parameters were normal. He requested a ct scan which I had today ( no results) to 'ensure there is no lung parenchymal involvement'. I have no idea what any of the above percentages mean or 'parenchymal' means. I'm hoping someone here could enlighten me. Is this slightly below normal or more than that? How abnormal are those ranges? I am 49, never smoked, had immunosuppressant treatment for MS last year but otherwise healthy I had thought. I also have a dull ache across chest area, as if I had done a big run(had for about two months). Chest area is tender. Could that be related to reduced lung function? Not seeing consultant for 3 months but radiography said I might get a letter with result before then. I also have some tachycardia on exertion, for which I am on Bisoprolol 1.25 mg beta blocker. Making me feel abit breathless at times but I'm guess it's because less oxygen than normal is circulating in my blood. Any knowledge gratefully received.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Normal DLCO

The corrected value is referred to as the DLCO/VA and a normal value is considered to be 80% or more of the predicted value. Because carbon monoxide binds quite readily to hemoglobin, the fewer red blood cells in the blood, the less carbon monoxide will be taken up.

Normal KCO

The normal values for KCO are dependent on age and sex. A fit young adult may have a KCO of approximately 1.75 mmol/min/kPa/litre, an elderly adult may be about 1.25.

Lung parenchyma is the portion of the lung involved in gas transfer - the alveoli, alveolar ducts and respiratory bronchioles.

Little use without discussion with your consultant.

[Caitlyn6 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you

[gingermusic in reply to stone-UK]

Your replies always impress me so much as your knowledge seems to know no bounds to the extent that I am curious. Are you just extremely knowledgeable or have you had medical training? Ruth

[Katinka46]

It is very frustrating not to get the results for so long. How about phoning your consultant’s secretary in about ten days time? They are often excellent and sympathetic. She won’t give you the results but she will tell the consultant of your concerns.

K x

[Caitlyn6 in reply to Katinka46]

Thank u. I have felt unwell for about 4 months and am wondering if it could be the reduced lung function causing it as I initially thought it was a heart issue. Just wondering if loads of people have this kind of lung function or if it is something that would cause symptoms of breathlessness and tiredness. X

[hypercat54 in reply to Caitlyn6]

Most people have a diagnosis such as copd so hopefully you will get yours soon. Even better if it is something which can be cured. x

[skischool]

As stone says the figures relate to the gas exchanging capacities of your lungs,the ct scan once interpreted by a radiological consultant will give all the info your consultant needs to give you an accurate diagnosis of your condition and hopefully the best treatment plan for the future.

btw the figures don't look dramatically bad but then again i am only a retired old git with a bit of google related knowledge and a DLCO figure that would scare the pants of you lol .

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's

[Teign]

It’s sad that the partnership approach with patient and professional is leaving you completely out of the loop . I have found this absolutely baffling given the the governments policies on pro active healthcare strategies . Why do we have to keep on ,time and time again asking some professionals about our own test results .