Transfer Factor

Question 1

What are the causes of raised TLCO?

Answer 1

• asthma
• pulmonary haemorrhage (e.g. granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Goodpasture’s)
• left-to-right cardiac shunts
• polycythaemia
• hyperkinetic states
• male gender, exercise

Raised TLCO indicates increased transfer of carbon monoxide in the lungs, often linked to various conditions and physiological states.

Question 2

What are the causes of lower TLCO?

Answer 2

• pulmonary fibrosis
• pneumonia
• pulmonary emboli
• pulmonary oedema
• emphysema
• anaemia
• low cardiac output

Lower TLCO reflects impaired gas exchange in the lungs due to various pathological conditions.

Question 3

How does the transfer coefficient (KCO) change with age?

Answer 3

KCO increases with age

KCO is a measure of the efficiency of gas transfer and can vary with several factors.

Question 4

What conditions can cause an increase in KCO?

Answer 4

• pneumonectomy/lobectomy
• scoliosis/kyphosis
• neuromuscular weakness
• ankylosis of costovertebral joints (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)

These conditions can affect lung mechanics and gas exchange efficiency.

Question 5

True or False: Hyperkinetic states are a cause of raised TLCO.

Answer 5

True

Hyperkinetic states indicate increased heart rate or cardiac output, contributing to enhanced gas transfer.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: _______ can be a cause of lower TLCO.

Answer 6

pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis leads to scarring of lung tissue, reducing its ability to transfer gases.

Question 7

What is a potential cause of raised TLCO related to cardiac function?

Answer 7

left-to-right cardiac shunts

These shunts can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs, enhancing gas transfer.