Abstract

DIABETIC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY: INDEPENDENT FACTOR IN LUNG FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT

Dr. Wasim Sheikh Hammoud MD, Dr. Zaynab Alourfi PhD and Dr. Yousser Mohammad PhD

Abstract

Objective: Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy is one of diabetes mellitus complications that might cause respiratory abnormalities and increase the rate of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess pulmonary functions in type 2 diabetic patients with and without diabetic autonomic neuropathy and correlate it with age, disease duration and disease control. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at Al-Mouassat University Hospital in Damascus during one year (from October 2013 to November 2014). 67 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into two groups: with and without diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Diabetics with microangiopathy and macroangiopathy were excluded to evaluate the effect of autonomic neuropathy as an independent factor on lung functions. Results: Subjects with diabetic autonomic neuropathy showed a significant reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) compared to their predicted values. Whereas, there was no significant difference in lung function parameters in patients without autonomic neuropathy compared to their predicted values. 45% of patients with autonomic neuropathy had mild degree of restrictive pulmonary disease. There was an inverse, significant correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, diabetes duration and both FVC and FEV1 values. Conclusion: 45% of Patients with type-2 diabetes and autonomic neuropathy had a restrictive respiratory defect. Glycemic levels and duration of disease are probably major determinants of lung pathology.

Keywords: Pulmonary function tests; Diabetic autonomic neuropathy.