Prognostic value of FEV1/FEV6 in elderly people
- Authors: Sorino, C; Sherrill, D; Guerra, S; Enright, P; Pedone, C; Augugliaro, G; Scichilone, NA; Battaglia, S; Antonelli-Incalzi, R; Bellia, V
- Publication year: 2011
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Key words: elderly, lung function
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/56136
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory volume in 6 s (FEV1/FEV6) has been proposed as an alternative for FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) to diagnose obstructive diseases with less effort during spirometry; however, its prognostic value is unknown. We evaluated whether FEV1/FEV6 is a significant predictor of mortality in elderly subjects and compared its prognostic value with that of FEV1/FVC and FEV1. METHODS: One thousand nine hundred and seventy-one subjects, aged >65 years, participated in the population-based SA.R.A. study. During the baseline exam, a multidimensional assessment included spirometry. Vital status was determined during 6 years of follow-up. Association of all-cause, cardio-pulmonary (CP) and non-CP mortality with a low FEV1/FEV6, FEV1/FVC and FEV1 was evaluated. RESULTS: Among subjects with both survival data and acceptable spirometry including FEV6, all-cause unadjusted mortality rates were 7.00 and 2.46 per 100 person-years in subjects with FEV1/FEV6 less than and greater than or equal to lower limit of normal (LLN), respectively (mortality rate ratio: 2.84, 95%CI: 2.12-3.84). After adjustment for age, gender, FVC, smoke exposure and main comorbidities, the risk of all-cause mortality remained significantly increased in subjects with FEV1/FEV6