FEV1/FVC and FEV1 for the assessment of chronic airflow obstruction in prevalence studies: do prediction equations need revision?

Little is known on the long-term validity of reference equations used in the calculation of FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC predicted values. This survey assessed the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in a population-based sample and how it is influenced by: (i) the definition of airflow obstruction; and (ii) equations used to calculate predicted values. Subjects aged 45 or more were recruited in health prevention centers, performed spirometry and fulfilled a standardized ECRHS-derived questionnaire. Previously diagnosed cases and risk factors were identified. Prevalence of airflow obstruction was calculated using: (i) ATS-GOLD definition (FEV(1)/FVC<0.70); and (ii) ERS definition (FEV(1)/FVC

[Mammography use among women aged 35 to 75 years]. / Pratiques de la mammographie chez les femmes de 35 à 75 ans: étude descriptive dans la population consultant les centres d'examens de santé.

The aim of the study was to evaluate mammography use and indications (diagnosis or screening) among 19,253 women aged 35 to 75 attending a health screening centre. The data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire completed after by an interview with a nurse. Mammography use is frequent in women attending a health screening centre, even before the age of 50: 79.1% had undergone at least one mammography during their life and for 47.3% a screen had been performed within the last three years. Nevertheless mammography was only used by 65.2% of the women aged 50-69 years, target age group of the screening programme. A logistic regression model adjusting for multiple variables was used to examine factors associated with women who underwent a screen within the last three years. Women more likely to be screened were aged 50-69 (vs age 35-49: OR=3.1), used regular gynaecological care (OR=4.5), had a family history of breast cancer (OR=1.45), had in their district a breast cancer screening campaign (OR=1.93). The study indicated that women under 50 years of age with a family history of breast cancer and women aged 70 and over were under-screened. When a campaign for breast cancer screening was organised in the district the screening rates were higher in the target population (71,4% vs 60,1%) although only 64% of the women reported having attended. Current recommendations for breast cancer screening should be reviewed in the light of these results.