Short-term prognostic value of forced expiratory volume in 1 second divided by height cubed in a prospective cohort of people 80 years and older

Spirometry-based parameters of pulmonary function such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) have prognostic value beyond respiratory morbidity and mortality. FEV1 divided by height cubed (FEV1/Ht3) has been found to be better at predicting all-cause mortality than the usual standardization as percentage of predicted "normal values" (FEV1%) and its use is independent of reference equations. Yet, limited data are available on the very old adults (80 years and older) and in association to other adverse health outcomes relevant for this age group. This study aims to investigate the short-term prognostic value of FEV1/Ht3 for all-cause mortality, hospitalization, physical and mental decline in a cohort of very old adults.