Pulmonary Function Abnormalities in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The occurrence of lung disorders has been investigated in 102 patiens with inflammatore bowel disease, by means of pulmonary function testing, chest radiography and physical examination. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in approximately 50 per cent patients and 25 per cent of patients had a reduced lung transfer factor. Radiological abnormalities compatible with fibrosing alveolitis were identified in six patients. There was no apparent correlation between these abnormalities and bowel disease sitse and activity, concurrent drug administration or the presence or absence of circulating immune complexes and autoantibodies.