From the Guidelines
The pulmonary function test (PFT) results show normal lung function, with no evidence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease, and therefore no specific treatment is needed based on these results alone. The FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) is 86% of predicted, which is within normal range (normal is typically considered >80%) 1. The FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) is 94.7% of predicted, which is also normal (>80%) 1. The FEV1/FVC ratio is 0.86 or 86%, which is normal or even slightly high (normal is typically >0.70 or 70%) 1.
Interpretation of PFT Results
These values indicate that there is no evidence of obstructive lung disease (like asthma or COPD) which would show a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio, nor is there evidence of restrictive lung disease (like pulmonary fibrosis) which would show proportionally reduced FVC and FEV1 but normal or high FEV1/FVC ratio 1. According to the American Thoracic Society, only FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC need to be routinely reported, and measurement of slow VC and calculation of FEV1/VC are a useful adjunct in patients with suspected airflow obstruction 1.
Clinical Application
No specific treatment is needed based on these PFT results alone, as they represent normal pulmonary function. However, if the patient has respiratory symptoms despite these normal PFTs, further evaluation may be warranted, possibly including bronchodilator challenge testing, imaging studies, or other diagnostic tests depending on the clinical presentation 1. The diagnosis of COPD requires confirmation of an airflow limitation that is not fully reversible via spirometry in a patient who has a history of a potentially causative exposure (e.g. smoking) 1.
Recommendations for Further Evaluation
- If the patient has respiratory symptoms, further evaluation may be warranted, possibly including:
- Bronchodilator challenge testing
- Imaging studies
- Other diagnostic tests depending on the clinical presentation
- A uniform format for the presentation of PFT results in reports to users and in the medical record can reduce potential miscommunication or misunderstanding 1.
From the Research
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Results
- FVC: 86%
- FEV1: 94.7%
- FEV1/FVC: 0.86
Interpretation of PFT Results
The PFT results indicate that the patient has a relatively normal lung function, with an FVC of 86% and an FEV1 of 94.7%. The FEV1/FVC ratio is 0.86, which is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly so.
Comparison with Studies
There are no direct studies that compare PFT results with FVC 86%, FEV1 94.7%, and FEV1/FVC 0.86. However, studies have compared the efficacy of different bronchodilator delivery methods, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and nebulizers, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Bronchodilator Delivery Methods
- MDIs with spacers have been shown to be an effective method for delivering bronchodilators to patients with COPD and asthma 2, 3, 5.
- Nebulizers have also been shown to be effective, but may have a higher risk of infection 6.
- The choice of delivery method may depend on patient preference and comfort, as well as the specific clinical situation 6.
Clinical Implications
The PFT results suggest that the patient has relatively normal lung function, but may benefit from bronchodilator therapy to improve symptoms and quality of life. The choice of delivery method will depend on the patient's individual needs and preferences, as well as the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal bronchodilator delivery method for patients with PFT results similar to those presented here.