PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSONS DISEASE

Background - Parkinsons disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised predominant motor symptoms. Non motor symptoms are also seen in PD patients. Pulmonary function abnormalities add to the morbidity of illness.Aim - To analyse the characteristics of pulmonary function test abnormalities in patients with PD.Methods - Pulmonary function testing was performed in 30 patients with PD during off state and 30 matched healthy controls.Results - Among 30 patients, 28(94) of them had pulmonary function abnormalities, 26 (87) had restrictive pattern of pulmonary dysfunction and remaining 2 patients had obstructive pattern. The forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) were significantly reduced in patients with PD compared to controls.Conclusions - Pulmonary function abnormalities were present in majority of patients with PD. The evaluation of respiratory disturbances and rehabilitation should be routinely included in the management of patients with Parkinsons disease.