Reevaluation of Tests of Small Airways Function

Abstract

Because of the current, and recurrent, interest in the prognostic potential of tests of peripheral lung function, we have reassessed the results of using the single breath closing volume test in conjunction with measurements derived from the forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver. Data were obtained as a part of the prospective longitudinal study of the natural history of obstructive lung disease based on a random sample of the population of Tucson, Arizona. 1 Lebowitz MD Knudson RJ Burrows B Tucson epidemiologic study of obstructive lung diseases. I: Methodology and prevalence of disease. Am J Epidemiol. 1975; 102: 137-152 PubMed Google Scholar The study began in 1972. Survey data included spirometric and flow-volume measurements. 2 Knudson RJ Slatin RC Lebowitz MD et al. The maximal expiratory flow-volume curve. Normal standards, variability, and effects of age. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976; 113: 587-600 PubMed Google Scholar , 3 Knudson RJ Burrows B Lebowitz MD The maximal expiratory flow-volume curves: Its use in the detection of ventilatory abnormalities in a population study. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976; 114: 871-879 PubMed Google Scholar The single breath test was employed in the second survey year, 4 Knudson RJ Lebowitz MD Burton AP et al. The closing volume test: Evaluation of nitrogen and bolus methods in a random population. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1977; 115: 423-434 PubMed Google Scholar and the fifth survey year was completed in the spring of 1979. The limit of normal was the “normal 95th percentile” for each measurement as previously described. 2 Knudson RJ Slatin RC Lebowitz MD et al. The maximal expiratory flow-volume curve. Normal standards, variability, and effects of age. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976; 113: 587-600 PubMed Google Scholar , 4 Knudson RJ Lebowitz MD Burton AP et al. The closing volume test: Evaluation of nitrogen and bolus methods in a random population. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1977; 115: 423-434 PubMed Google Scholar