Spirometry at a Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria: Indications, Referral Patterns, and Ventilatory Function Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Spirometry is an essential diagnostic tool in respiratory medicine, widely used for assessing lung function and diagnosing respiratory disorders. Despite its clinical significance, its utilization in low-resource settings remains suboptimal. Understanding the indications for spirometry and referral patterns can help optimize its use in patient management. The objective of the study was to evaluate indications, referral patterns, and ventilatory function outcomes among patients undergoing spirometry at a tertiary hospital in South-South Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 90 patients who underwent spirometry. Data on demographic characteristics, referral sources, and ventilatory function outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The most common indication for spirometry was asthma (46.7%), followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cough (25.6%). Other indications included post-chemotherapy pulmonary assessment (11.1%), pulmonary fibrosis (4.4%), bronchiectasis (4.4%), and pleural effusion (3.3%). The respiratory unit accounted for most referrals (68.9%), followed by cardiology (13.3%), cardiothoracic surgery (12.2%), and maxillofacial surgery (5.6%). Obstructive ventilatory impairment was the most frequently observed pattern (51.1%), followed by mixed (23.3%) and restrictive (17.8%) impairments, while 7.8% of patients had normal spirometry results.

Conclusion: This study highlights the high burden of chronic respiratory diseases and the critical role of spirometry in their assessment. Despite its diagnostic utility, limited access remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for improved availability, clinician awareness, and integration into routine clinical practice for better respiratory health outcomes.