Late-breaking abstract: Prevalence of airways obstruction in an apparently healthy general population sample: An Italian study

Background: In Italy, as in other countries, there are very little data available on the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the general population. Spirometry is the gold standard as the most reproducible, standardised, and objective way of measuring airflow limitation in the diagnosis and assessment of COPD. Health benefits can be gained by early detection of COPD and preventive measures. Aim: To evaluate the distribution of airways obstruction in an apparently healthy general population sample. Methods: Lung function tests were performed in subjects referring to Italian Association of Blood Volunteers (AVIS), section of Milan, Italy. Criteria for defining airways obstruction were based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease statement (FEV1/FVC Results: The study was conducted from May 2012 to April 2014. A total of 2,004 subjects aged 18 to 60 years investigated were included. Prevalence rate of airways obstruction for subjects was 5,14%. Airway obstruction was largely (90%) mild (FEV1 > 79%pred) and none severe obstruction was found. Conclusion: The prevalence of airway obstruction we found is lower than other reports, but our study was specifically conducted on subjects assumed to be healthy. Our data suggest that airflow obstruction is a detectable condition in an apparently healthy general population and should inform future plans to address the burden of the dysfunction.