Reversibiliity testing (Mod 3)

Question 1

Why are pre and post bronchodilators assessed during PFTs?

Answer 1

To assess the presence or absence of a response to bronchodilator’s therapy

• Assess reversibility of airway obstruction

Question 2

What is a positive response to bronchodilator therapy

Answer 2

An increase >12% and 200 ml from baseline in FEV1 and/or FVC has had a positive response to bronchodilator’s therapy and may benefit from bronchodilator therapy

Question 3

Why may a patient not display a positive response to bronchodilator therapy?

Answer 3

Dynamic compression; they could still show decreased hyperinflation and/or improved flows

Question 4

What could a change of greater than 12% and 200ml of FEV1 and/or FVC from baseline infer?

Answer 4

Asthma

Question 5

How could COPD results present from reversibility testing?

Answer 5

No obvious change in FEV1 and/or FVC from baseline does not mean the patient does not respond – they may have improved flows or decreased hyperinflation