Nitric Oxide Lung Diffusing Capacity in Systemic Sclerosis

Comparison Between Two Commercially Available Devices to Measure Nitric Oxide Lung Diffusing Capacity in Systemic Sclerosis: a Randomized Crossover Trial

To date, two devices to measure nitric oxide lung diffusing capacity (DLNO) are commercially available in Europe. Previous research has shown systematic between-device differences in lung diffusing capacity outcomes in healthy people (Radtke et al. ERJ Open Res. 2021 Sep 13;7(3)). The extent and magnitude of between-device differences in people with lung function impairment and ventilation inhomogeneities is unknown.

The aim of this project is to compare two commercially available devices that measure lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) in people with systemic sclerosis and proven interstitial lung disease.

1. "MasterScreenTM" (PFT Pro, Jaeger, CareFusion, Hoechberg, Germany
2. "HypAir" ("HA", Medisoft, Dinant, Belgium).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of systemic sclerosis by American College of Rheumatology/ European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR1) criteria (≥ 9 points)
• Interstitial lung disease proven with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
• Written informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable clinical condition affecting lung function testing (i.e., major hemoptoe/-tysis or pneumothorax within the last 3 months, acute respiratory tract infection in the past two weeks), others according to the assessment of the treating physician
• Pregnancy