Comparison between two commercially available devices to measure nitric oxide lung diffusing capacity in systemic sclerosis: a randomized crossover trial

Pulmonary function measurements are widely used for the diagnosis of lung function abnormalities and for monitoring disease progression. One such method is the lung diffusing capacity that measures the conductance of gas transfer from alveolar air to capillary hemoglobin. The most frequently used technique is the diffusion capacity for cardbon monoxide, called DLCO. The lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) is a relatively new technique and has been mainly used in research settings in various cardiopulmonary diseases. Its usefulness in clinical practice has yet to be determined.

In Europe, two commercial devices are available for the measurement of single-breath DLNO. Our previous research in healthy people has shown systematic and clinically relevant differences between the two devices. Output:here
We concluded that differences in methods of expiratory gas sampling and sensor specifications between the two devices likely explain our observations. The current project is a collaborative effort with the Department of Rheumatology at the University Hospital Zurich and designed to assess between-device differences in a clinical population with lung function impairment and ventilation inhomogeneities. In a randomised cross-over trial, we aim to extent our previous findings to people with systemic sclerosis and computed chest tomography proven interstitial lung disease.
The trial is registered with: clinicaltrials.gov.