Work

Early diagnostic and prognostic value of FEV₃/FEV₆ for COPD in underserved areas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a major global health burden. While FEV1/FVC is the diagnostic gold standard, its application is limited by patient compliance and procedural complexity. FEV3/FEV6 has been proposed as a simpler alternative for early COPD screening, but its diagnostic and prognostic value remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of FEV3/FEV6 in diagnosing mild to moderate COPD and predicting patient outcomes. Methods: A total of 200 patients suspected of having mild to moderate COPD underwent FEV3/FEV6 and FEV1/FVC testing from June 2019 to June 2021 and were followed for 3 years. Correlation analysis and ROC curve analysis were conducted. Results: = 0.928). FEV3/FEV6 showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.953; sensitivity 87.92%; specificity 84.77%) and prognostic relevance (AUC = 0.783; sensitivity 80.3%; specificity 66.2%). Conclusion: FEV3/FEV6 is a reliable tool for early diagnosis and prognosis assessment in mild to moderate COPD.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1627615

Authors: Fei Li, Yancong Han, Xiaoling Yao, Fang Zhao, Qing Zhao, Weilin Liu

Institutions: Hebei Medical University, First Hospital of Shijiazhuang, First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801