Trajectories of Spirometric Patterns, Obstructive and PRISm, in a Population-Based Cohort in Latin America

BACKGROUND: Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) has been associated with adverse outcomes and increased transition to other spirometric categories over time. We aimed to examine its prevalence, trajectories over time, and outcomes in a population-based sample from Latin America. METHODS: Data were obtained from two population-based surveys of adults from three cities in Latin America (PLATINO study), conducted on the same individuals 5–9 years after their baseline examination. We estimated the frequency of PRISm defined by FEV(1)/FVC≥0.70 with FEV(1) <80%, describing their clinical characteristics, longitudinal transition trajectories over time, factors associated with the transition. RESULTS: At baseline, 2942 participants completed post-bronchodilator spirometry, and 2026 at both evaluations. The prevalence of normal spirometry was 78%, GOLD-stage 1 10.6%, GOLD 2–4 6.5%, and PRISm was: 5.0% (95% CI 4.2–5.8). PRISm was associated with less schooling, more reports of physician-diagnosis of COPD, wheezing, dyspnea, missing days at work, having ≥2 exacerbations in the previous year but without accelerated lung function decline. Mortality risk was significantly higher in PRISm (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.2–3.3) and COPD GOLD 1–4 categories (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.3–2.4) compared with normal spirometry. PRISm at baseline most frequently transitioned to another category at follow-up (46.5%); 26.7% to normal spirometry and 19.8% to COPD. The best predictors of transition to COPD were closeness of FEV(1)/FVC to 0.70, older age, current smoking, and a longer FET in the second assessment. CONCLUSION: PRISm, is a heterogeneous and unstable condition prone to adverse outcomes that require adequate follow-up.