Incidence and prognostic factors for airflow obstruction in sarcoidosis

Aim: Airflow obstruction (AO) is common in sarcoid patients, however its mechanism is not obvious. We aimed to assess the incidence of AO in sarcoid patients and to search for prognostic factors leading to AO development. Methods: In a series of 50 biopsy-proven sarcoid patients selected for treatment with methotrexate due radiological and functional deterioration, who had no history either of asthma nor COPD, 21 females (42%) and 29 males (58%), mean age 45.6 ±9 years, a pulmonary function tests, imaging and laboratory assessment were performed. PFT included spirometry, body pletysmography, DLCO, ABG, 6MWT. Airflow obstruction was diagnosed if FEV1/FVC Results: AO was diagnosed in 18 pts (36%), 7 females (14%) and 11 males (22%, ns). Mean FEV1%pred in AO group was 54±15 vs 80±15 in patients without AO (p 2 35.1 vs 37.3 mmHg (p Conclusion: AO is frequent (36%) in sarcoid patients requiring treatment for disease deterioration. Several prognostic factors were disclosed, however randomised study is necessary to evaluate AO nature in sarcoid patients.