Table 2

Comparison of mutually adjusted spirometric indices to predict all-cause mortality in national health surveys (all spirograms) and in UK Biobank (comparing all usable spirograms with best quality spirograms)

Subset analysed z-score in model (plus covariates) HSE–SHS white lifelong non-smokers, 40–69 years at entry Biobank white lifelong non-smokers, 40–69 years at entry
Total N (deaths) HR (95% CI) alone HR (95% CI) joint Total N (deaths) HR (95% CI) alone HR (95% CI) joint
All usable spirogramsFEV1 alone6579 (500)1.17 (1.09 to 1.25)149 343 (2401)1.21 (1.17 to 1.26)
FEV1 adj FEV/FVC1.20 (1.11 to 1.29)1.26 (1.21 to 1.31)
FEV/FVC adj FEV10.94 (0.87 to 1.01)0.90 (0.85 to 0.94)
All usable spirogramsFVC alone6579 (500)1.19 (1.10 to 1.28)149 343 (2401)1.24 (1.19 to 1.29)
FVC adj FEV/FVC1.19 (1.11 to 1.28)1.24 (1.19 to 1.29)
FEV/FVC adj FVC1.02 (0.95 to 1.10)1.02 (0.97 to 1.07)
Best quality spirogramsFEV1 alone(No data)102 945 (1583)1.23 (1.18 to 1.29)
FEV1 adj FEV/FVC1.29 (1.23 to 1.36)
FEV/FVC adj FEV10.86 (0.81 to 0.91)
Best quality spirogramsFVC alone(No data)102 945 (1583)1.29 (1.23 to 1.35)
FVC adj FEV/FVC1.29 (1.23 to 1.35)
FEV/FVC adj FVC0.98 (0.93 to 1.04)
  • Spirometric indices (FEV1, FVC and FEV1:FVC ratio) are modelled as z-scores derived from the Global Lung Initiative 2012 reference equations for whites. All HRs are expressed per unit decrement in z-score, adjusted for age, sex, height, socioeconomic status, geographical region and survey year.

  • FEV1, one-second forced expiratory volume; FVC, forced vital capacity;  HSE, Health Survey for England; SHS, Scottish Health Survey.