The Complementary Role of FEV6 in Bronchodilator Reversibility Test for the Old Age / 결핵및호흡기질환

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the measurement of bronchodilator reversibility, the forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV(1)) and the forced vital capacity(FVC) are commonly used parameters and recommended criteria for the reversibility requiring an increase of more than 200ml and 12% above the baseline, respectively. However, aged patients do not often meet the criteria of an increase in volume(>200ml) even though the medical history of that patient is adequate for asthma. This study investigated the role of the forced expiratory volume in six seconds(FEV(6)) in the bronchodilator reversibility test in elderly patients. METHODS: A total of 236 patients more than 65 years of age with a FEV(1)/FVC ratio or = 80% of the predicted value, Group II 60%RESULTS: Positive reversibility in the FEV(1), FEV(6), and FVC was in 33(14.0%), 49(20.8%) and 55(23.3%). However, Group III presented with reversibility in the FEV(1), FEV(6), and FVC in 15(22.4%), 30(44.8%) and 32(47.8%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The FEV6 might be used as a complementary parameter in bronchodilatror reversibility in elderly patients. However, more study will be needed to determine the usefulness of FEV(6) in bronchodilator reversibility test.