FEV1/FVC and FEV1 for the assessment of chronic airflow obstruction in prevalence studies: Do prediction equations need revision?

Roche, Nicolas
Dalmay, François
Perez, Thierry
Kuntz, Claude
Vergnenègre, Alain
Neukirch, Françoise
Giordanella, Jean-Pierre
Huchon, Gérard

Open link

Publication date

November 2008

DOI

10.1016/j.rmed.2008.06.007

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract

SummaryLittle is known on the long-term validity of reference equations used in the calculation of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC predicted values.This survey assessed the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in a population-based sample and how it is influenced by: (i) the definition of airflow obstruction; and (ii) equations used to calculate predicted values. Subjects aged 45 or more were recruited in health prevention centers, performed spirometry and fulfilled a standardized ECRHS-derived questionnaire. Previously diagnosed cases and risk factors were identified. Prevalence of airflow obstruction was calculated using: (i) ATS-GOLD definition (FEV1/FVC<0.70); and (ii) ERS definition (FEV1/FVC<lower limit of normal) with European Community for C...