Abstract
To attempt the general assessment of impaired ventilatory functions and the statistical reassessment of respiratory function tests, principal component analysis of 72 pulmonary silicosis cases was performed using 9 pulmonary function test parameters. The results were as follows:
1) The order of more sensitive Parameters which revealed obstructive factors were MMF, V50, FEV1%, and V25, in order of decreasing sensitivity and restrictive factors, Cst, Ppl and %VC. Rres showed both obstructive and restrictive factors moderately, and CV/VC had more restrictive factor than obstructive factor.
2) Comparison between the usual method using both FEV1% and %VC and the “new” method using multiple parameters, discrepancies of types of ventilatory impairment were observed in some patients, though almost all patients revealed similar tendencies.
These results may suggest that principal component analysis is useful enough to assess impaired ventilatory functions generally and to reassess the respiratory function parameters.
