Pulmonary Function Studies in Friedreich's Ataxia

Abstract

Pulmonary function tests were carried out on 20 patients with Friedreich's ataxia. The lung volume, diffusing capacity, flow rate, flow-volume curve, and blood gases were measured. In each patient the degree of scoliosis was measured and the pulmonary function tests were analyzed in relation to the scoliosis. A control group of 13 subjects with idiopathic scoliosis was used for comparison. In both groups, the degree of scoliosis was similar.