FEV1/FEV6 and FEV6 as an Alternative for FEV1/FVC and FVC in Bolivian Subjects
FEV1/FEV6 and FEV6 as an Alternative for FEV1/FVC and FVC in Bolivian Subjects
Comparison of FEV1/FEV6 and FEV6 as an alternative for FEV1/FVC and FCV in the detection of
 airway obstruction in a Bolivian population
The data of consecutive adult smoker patients, referred to the Clínica del Pulmón (Santa
 Cruz, Bolivia), between May 2018 and June 2018, will be analyzed. All the patients are
 current or ex-smokers, complaining of dyspnea, cough or expectorations. Spirometry
 measurements will be performed with a Medisoft Body Box 5500 by one highly trained and
 experienced pulmonologist according to the guidelines of the ATS/ERS.

 The criteria used to detect airway obstruction are either the fixed cut-off points according
 to GOLD recommendations (FEV1/FVC<0.70) or the lower limit of normal (FEV1/FVC<LLN). These
 indices will be compared to a fixed cut-off FEV1/FEV6 <0.73 as proposed by Vandevoorde et al.
 or to a FEV1/FV6 ration < LLN. Reference equations used are those of Caucasians from the
 NHANES III survey.

 Statistical tests will be done using IBM SPSS 24 software. Cohen's κ will be used to
 determine if there is an agreement between the definitions of airway obstruction.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  adult smoker suspected of COPD

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  unable to perform spirometry