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Detection of airflow limitation using a handheld spirometer in a primary care setting
Author(s) -
Ching SiewMooi,
Pang YongKek,
Price David,
Cheong AiTheng,
Lee PingYein,
Irmi Ismail,
Faezah Hassan,
Ruhaini Ismail,
Chia YookChin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1111/resp.12291
Subject(s) - medicine , spirometry , spirometer , copd , confidence interval , physical therapy , odds ratio , airflow , asthma , exhaled nitric oxide , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background and objective Early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) in primary care settings is difficult to achieve chiefly due to lack of availability of spirometry. This study estimated the prevalence of airflow limitation among chronic smokers using a handheld spirometer in this setting. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study performed on consecutive patients who were ≥40 years old with ≥10 pack‐years smoking history. Face‐to‐face interviews were carried out to obtain demographic data and relevant information. Handheld spirometry was performed according to a standard protocol using the COPd ‐6 device ( M odel 4000, V italograph, E nnis, I reland) in addition to standard spirometry. Airflow limitation was defined as ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV 1 )/forced expiratory volume in 6 s <0.75 ( COPd ‐6) or FEV 1 /forced vital capacity <0.7. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of airflow limitation. Results A total of 416 patients were recruited with mean age of 53 years old. The prevalence of airflow limitation was 10.6% ( n = 44) with COPd ‐6 versus 6% as gauged using standard spirometry. Risk factors for airflow limitation were age >65 years (odds ratio ( OR ) 3.732 95% confidence interval ( CI ): 1.100–1.280), a history of ‘bad health’ ( OR 2.524, 95% CI : 1.037–6.142) and low to normal body mass index ( OR 2.914, 95% CI : 1.191–7.190). Conclusions In a primary care setting, handheld spirometry ( COPd ‐6) found a prevalence of airflow limitation of ∼10% in smokers. Patients were older, not overweight and had an ill‐defined history of health problems.