The use of microspirometry in detecting lowered FEV₁ values in current or former cigarette smokers

Abstract

Aims:

COPD is an underdiagnosed disease. This study was undertaken to assess the value of microspirometry in detecting reduced FEV₁ values in cigarette smokers i.e. subjects at high risk for COPD.

Methods:

A total of 611 smokers or ex-smokers with a smoking history >20 years and no previously-diagnosed lung disease were recruited (389 male, age 27-83 years, mean age 56 years, mean smoking history 35 pack years, 19% ex-smokers).

Results:

An FEV₁ < 80% predicted on microspirometry was found in 44.6% of cases. The mean FEV₁ was 2.8 litres (80.6% predicted, range 26-121%). This correlated well with values obtained from full spirometry (R=0.965, p<0.0001). Detailed questionnaire responses revealed that almost half of the subjects (48.2%) reported chronic cough and sputum production and 39.8% reported breathlessness during exercise.

Conclusions:

Microspirometry finds a considerable number of smokers or ex-smokers with reduced FEV₁ values. Microspirometry is quick to perform. All smokers with reduced microspirometry FEV₁ values would benefit from smoking cessation, and all patients with reduced FEV₁ values need to be considered for full spirometry to confirm if they actually have COPD.

Full Text

The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (316.9 KB).