Risk of Rapid Lung Function Decline in Young Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT

It is unclear whether young adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at an increased risk of rapid lung function decline. A total of 2,934 Korean adults aged 40–49 years who had consecutive lung function measurements were included. COPD was defined as pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 )/forced vital capacity < lower limit of normal. The risk of rapid decline in FEV 1 , defined as ≥ 60 mL/year, was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the multivariable model, a significantly higher risk of rapid decline in FEV 1 was observed for the COPD group compared with the non-COPD group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.95), which was especially significant in subjects with FEV 1 less than the median value (< 110%pred) (P interaction = 0.017) and inactive physical activity (P interaction = 0.039). In conclusion, the risk of rapid FEV 1 decline was higher in young adults with COPD than in those without COPD, especially in those with FEV 1 less than the median value and inactive physical activity.