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What Does FVC"percent Predicted" Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Apr 2014
Question: On a PFT what is the FVC "percent predicted" indicate as.....................
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Answered by Dr. Geoffrey (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer: FVC = "Forced vital capacity" Detailed Answer: The FVC is the Forced vital capacity, which is a single measure of your overall volume of air that moves in and out of your lung. The volume of air depends on the size of your body and chest, which is highly variable and dependent on your height, weight, and gender. We report the FVC as a percent to give an indication of what your number is in relation to other people with your body size. Because you have had a partial removal of a lobe of your lung, we would expect your FVC to be significantly less than 100% of the predicted value. Watching your FVC over time is one way to track the progress of improvement or deterioration of your lung function. The analysis of your PFT report is that you have a combined restrictive and obstructive problem - loss of lung volumes (restriction) is indicated by your FVC(54%), Total lung capacity(53%) and vital capacity(53%). You also have obstruction to outflow of air - FEV1/FVC is 59% and FEF25-75 is only 21%. This is a pattern that suggests substantial damage to your lungs, with some improvement possible through the use of bronchodilators. People with this pattern often benefit from "Pulmonary rehab" or lung rehabilitation programs that teach how to strengthen your breathing muscles, and strategies for coping with reduced lung function. I suggest you speak with your lung doctor about the best options for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Geoffrey (19 hours later)
Much appreciated, Doctor, my inquire more direct being, re the PFT submitted, what is the numerical value of the "FVC percentage indicated" ? Is it more than or less than 50% ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geoffrey (22 hours later)
Brief Answer: 47% Detailed Answer: Hi, Your FVC was measured at 47% of the predicted normal. They then gave you a treatment with a bronchodilator medicine, and after that your FVC increased to 54%, which indicates a small improvement. Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Geoffrey (4 days later)
Thanx much Doctor...... this cleared up a lot for me, I have an appointment with a UCLA Resp. Therapist this afternoon, saw the MD specialist Tues., am also followed up at he WLA VA medical center....... the PTF figures had me confused, my TB is service connected, WW II, 18 mos. hospitalization , then went home and my father, his colleagues, MDs. My case was prior the drugs of today... again BIG thanx.
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Dr. Geoffrey

Emergency Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 5 Questions

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What Does FVC"percent Predicted" Indicate?

Brief Answer: FVC = "Forced vital capacity" Detailed Answer: The FVC is the Forced vital capacity, which is a single measure of your overall volume of air that moves in and out of your lung. The volume of air depends on the size of your body and chest, which is highly variable and dependent on your height, weight, and gender. We report the FVC as a percent to give an indication of what your number is in relation to other people with your body size. Because you have had a partial removal of a lobe of your lung, we would expect your FVC to be significantly less than 100% of the predicted value. Watching your FVC over time is one way to track the progress of improvement or deterioration of your lung function. The analysis of your PFT report is that you have a combined restrictive and obstructive problem - loss of lung volumes (restriction) is indicated by your FVC(54%), Total lung capacity(53%) and vital capacity(53%). You also have obstruction to outflow of air - FEV1/FVC is 59% and FEF25-75 is only 21%. This is a pattern that suggests substantial damage to your lungs, with some improvement possible through the use of bronchodilators. People with this pattern often benefit from "Pulmonary rehab" or lung rehabilitation programs that teach how to strengthen your breathing muscles, and strategies for coping with reduced lung function. I suggest you speak with your lung doctor about the best options for you.