The Prognostic Performance of Lung Diffusing Capacity in Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry: An Observational Cohort Study

Hiroaki Ogata, Kachi Sha, Yasuaki Kotetsu, Aimi Enokizu-Ogawa, Katsuyuki Katahira, Akiko Ishimatsu, Kazuhito Taguchi, Atsushi Moriwaki, Makoto Yoshida

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9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO) might be decreased and associated with poor prognosis in preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), a clinical entity as a prodromal phase of COPD. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the distributions of DLCO and to assess the association between DLCO and mortality among subjects with PRISm. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study at the National Hospital Organization Fukuoka National Hospital. We classified the 899 patients ≥ 40 years of age with an assessment of DLCO into five groups based on spirometry: preserved spirometry, PRISm, mild COPD, moderate COPD, and severe/very severe COPD. The prevalence of low DLCO (< 80% per predicted) was compared among the five groups. Using PRISm patients with follow-up data, we further investigated the association of low DLCO with all-cause mortality. Results: The prevalence of low DLCO in the PRISm group (58.8%) was significantly higher than that in the preserved-spirometry group (21.8%), the mild-COPD group (23.5%), and the moderate-COPD group (36.0%) (all P < 0.01), and it was comparable to that in the severe/very severe-COPD group (63.2%). The results remained unchanged after adjusting for potential confounders. Among the PRISm subjects, the overall survival rate was significantly lower in the low-DLCO group than in the preserved-DLCO group (P < 0.01). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the low-DLCO group than in the preserved-DLCO group (HR = 10.10 (95% confidence interval 2.33–43.89)). Conclusion: Diffusing capacity was more impaired in PRISm subjects than in those with preserved spirometry or mild to moderate COPD. Regarding PRISm, low DLCO was a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality. Clinicians should assess DLCO in the management of PRISm to predict the future risk of overall death.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2791-2799
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of COPD
Volume17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1 2022
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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