reduced transfer with normal ventilation

Last reviewed 01/2018

The causes of a reduced transfer factor in the presence of normal ventilatory function include:

• interstitial lung disease
• pulmonary vascular disease
• anaemia

Notes:

• with respect to interstitial lung disease, the classic restrictive picture is of normal or even elevated FEV1/FVC ratio. However, absolute values for both FEV1 and FVC will decrease (1)

Reference:

1. Aaron SD et al. How accurate is spirometry at predicting restrictive pulmonary impairment? Chest. 1999 Mar;115(3):869-73.