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Limits of longitudinal decline for the interpretation of annual changes in FEV1 in individuals.

Hnizdo E; Sircar K; Yan T; Harber P; Fleming J; Glindmeyer HW

Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct; 64(10):701-707

https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.2006.031146

20032083

Objective: Spirometry based screening programs often conduct annual assessment of longitudinal changes in FEV1 to identify individuals with excessive rate of decline. Both the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) recommend a reference limit value of .15% for excessive annual decline. Neither ATS nor ACOEM adjust this limit for the precision of the existing spirometry data. We propose an improved method of defining the reference limit of longitudinal annual FEV1 decline (LLD) based on the precision of the spirometry data. Method: We used data from four monitoring programs and measured their data precision using a pair-wise within-person variation statistic. We then derived program- and gender specific absolute and relative LLD values and validated these against the 95th percentiles for observed yearly changes in FEV1. Results: The relative limit for annual decline was more practical than the absolute limit as it adjusted for gender differences in the magnitude of FEV1. The program-specific relative limit values were in good agreement with 95th percentiles for year-to-year FEV1 changes and ranged from 6.6% to 15.8%. For individuals with COPD and bronchial hyperreactivity the 95th percentiles for year-to-year changes were about 15% and higher. Conclusions: The relative longitudinal limit for annual FEV1 decline based upon precision of measurements is valid and can be generalized to different gender and population groups. A relative limit of approximately 10% appears appropriate for good quality workplace monitoring programs, whereas a limit of about 15% appears appropriate for clinical evaluation of individuals with an obstructive airway disease. Computer software based on the method described is available from the corresponding author.

Lung-function; Spirometry; Respiratory-system-disorders; Respiratory-function-tests; Pulmonary-function-tests; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Long-term-study; Computer-software; Surveillance

Eva Hnizdo, Ph.D., Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505

OEMEEM

20071001

Journal Article

ehnizdo@cdc.gov

Grant

2008

Grant-Number-T42-OH-008412

1351-0711

DRDS

All Sectors; Construction

Occupational and Environmental Medicine

WV; CA

University of California Los Angeles