dc.description.abstract |
Background: Lung function tests are done to assess the working and possible mechanical
deterioration of lungs, respiratory muscles, and chest wall. Spirometry is the commonly used test.
Pregnancy derives an altered physiological state due to accompanied hormonal and anatomical
changes that affect the respiratory system. Despite that, spirometry is rarely done in pregnancy,
and if done test results are compared against non-pregnancy references.
Objective: This study aimed at determining spirometry profiles in pregnant and non-pregnant
women and describe their differences.
Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Mnazi Mmoja antenatal
clinic where pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were randomly recruited. Also, non pregnant women were recruited from MUHAS as controls. Lung function was assessed using a
digital spirometer (EasyOne®) while adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and
infection prevention protocols. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The means
of spirometry parameters of pregnant women were compared to parameters of non-pregnant
women using an independent sample t-test. The level of significance was set to < 0.05 p-value.
Results: A total of 92 pregnant and 98 non-pregnant women were subjected to spirometry. Mean
FVC (p <0.01), FEV1 (p <0.01), and PEF (p <0.01) of pregnant women were significantly lower
than non-pregnant women.
Conclusion: Spirometry test values obtained from pregnant women were lower than those
obtained from non-pregnant controls.
Recommendations: Spirometry test values of pregnant women should be carefully interpreted
against non-pregnancy references otherwise can cause underestimation of their values, and hence
over-hospitalization. There is also a need to evaluate the accuracy of non-pregnancy spirometry
reference equations for predicting test values among pregnant women. |
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