Abstract
Introduction: FEV1.Ht-3 is one of the new ways of expressing FEV1 that have been found to be superior to the common expression as percentage of predicted "normal values" (FEV1%) in establishing an association between FEV1 and all-cause mortality. No data are available yet on the prognostic value of FEV1.Ht-3 in the very old adults (80 years and older) and its correlation with other adverse outcomes.
Aims and objectives: This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that FEV1.Ht-3 is a good predictor of all-cause mortality, hospitalizations, physical and mental decline in the very old adults.
Methods: In a prospective cohort study of 567 people of 80 years and older in Belgium, the lowest quartile of FEV1.Ht-3 was plotted in Kaplan-Meier curves for 3-year mortality and hospitalization rates. Multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, inflammatory markers and co-morbidities examined the association of FEV1.Ht-3 with mortality, hospitalization, physical and mental decline.
Results: Individuals in the lowest quartile of FEV1.Ht-3 had a statistically significant increased risk for mortality (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.36-3.06; p<0.05), hospitalization (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.24-2.23; p<0.05). and mental decline (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.22-3.88; p<0.05), but not for physical decline.
Conclusions: In a cohort of very old adults, the lowest quartile of FEV1.Ht-3 showed a good prognostic value for mortality, hospitalization rates and mental decline, but not for physical decline. Further research is needed on the use of FEV1.Ht-3 in this age group and comparison with other expressions of FEV1.
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