Respiratory function and its predictive value for health related outcomes in the BELFRAIL cohort

Background Spirometry-based parameters of pulmonary function such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) have prognostic value beyond respiratory morbidity and mortality. Limited data are available on its prognostic value for adverse health outcomes in the growing group of very old adults (=80 years old). We investigate the prognostic value of FEV1 for adverse health outcomes in very old adults and assess the predictive value of airflow limitation (AL) for all-cause mortality and hospitalisation using two different approaches to cut-offs for FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity).