Table 3.
Associations Between Airflow Limitation According to Various Definitions and Outcomes
| Outcome | FR+/LLN−a (n = 297) | FR+/LLN+ (n = 532) |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic cough | 1.00 | 1.81 (1.24–2.65) |
| Chronic phlegm | 1.00 | 2.13 (1.41–3.21) |
| Chronic bronchitis | 1.00 | 1.98 (1.12–3.48) |
| Wheeze | 1.00 | 2.11 (1.52–2.93) |
| MRC dyspnea scaleb | 1.00 | 2.04 (1.48–2.81) |
| SF-12 Physical scalec | 1.00 | −2.39 (<.01) |
| SF-12 Mental scalec | 1.00 | −1.10 (.11) |
| Exacerbation | 1.00 | 1.43 (1.01–2.02) |
| Cardiovascular disease | 1.00 | 0.79 (0.55–1.13) |
FR = fixed ratio; LLN = lower limit of normal; MRC = Medical Research Council; SF-12 = Short Form 12-item health survey.
Notes: Multiple logistic regression, except as otherwise noted. All models adjusted for age-group (<60 years), sex, and ever smoking. Data are presented as odds ratios (95% CI) or parameter estimate (P value) from regression analysis.
a
Reference group.
b
Ordinal logistic analysis.
c
Multiple linear regression analysis.