Lung function in children with sickle cell anemia

Lung volumes and expiratory flows were measured in 12 children with sickle cell anemia and 12 height-matched black control subjects. Diffusing capacity of the lung for CO, pulmonary capillary blood volume, the membrane component of diffusing capacity, arterial blood gases on breathing room air and 100 per cent O₂ were measured in the subjects with sickle cell anemia. The lung volumes and expiratory flows of subjects with sickle cell anemia were no different from those of the control subjects. Diffusing capacity for CO was maintained in the normal range despite the severe anemia by increases in pulmonary capillary blood volume and the membrane component of diffusing capacity. All subjects with sickle cell anemia had mild hypoxemia and abnormal increases in calculated shunt. Pulmonary function in children with sickle cell anemia appears to be determined by their race and anemia.