Publications by authors named "Ben Knox-Brown"
Article Synopsis
- Spirometry is a test used to evaluate lung function by comparing it to normal levels in healthy non-smokers, focusing on metrics like forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV/FVC ratio.
- The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants aged 40 and older across 41 sites, revealing regional differences in FVC tied to factors like age and height, categorized into four regions: Europe/richer countries, Near East, Africa, and Far East.
- Findings showed significant regional variations in FVC values between men and women, particularly in Europe compared to the Far East, but minimal differences in the FEV/FVC ratio across regions.
Background: Small airways obstruction (SAO) has been associated with occupational exposures. Whether exposure to harmful occupational agents impacts the survival of people with SAO is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the mortality risk associated with occupational exposures among people with SAO.
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- Small airways obstruction (SAO) is a common condition that can lead to respiratory issues and has been linked with various health problems, but its impact on mortality is not well understood.
- A large study of nearly 253,000 adults revealed that SAO is significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause and specific mortality, particularly in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- The findings suggest that even isolated SAO, which occurs without other airway issues, is linked to higher mortality risk, emphasizing the importance of monitoring this condition in affected individuals.
Background: Chronic airflow obstruction is a key characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We investigated whether isolated small airways obstruction is associated with chronic airflow obstruction later in life.
Methods: We used longitudinal data from 3957 participants of the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study.
Background: Small airways obstruction (SAO) is a key feature of both COPD and asthma, which have been associated with workplace exposures. Whether SAO, which may occur early in the development of obstructive lung disease and without symptoms, also associates with occupational exposures is unknown.
Methods: Using UK Biobank data, we derived measurements of SAO from the 65 145 participants with high-quality spirometry and lifetime occupational histories.
Background: Spirometric small airways obstruction (SAO) is common in the general population. Whether spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) is unknown.
Methods: Using data from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study (N = 21,594), we defined spirometric SAO as the mean forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of the FVC (FEF) less than the lower limit of normal (LLN) or the forced expiratory volume in 3 s to FVC ratio (FEV/FVC) less than the LLN.
Background: Small airways obstruction is a common feature of obstructive lung diseases. Research is scarce on small airways obstruction, its global prevalence, and risk factors. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of small airways obstruction, examine the associated risk factors, and compare the findings for two different spirometry parameters.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe impulse oscillometry system (IOS) provides an alternative method of lung function testing for patients in whom forced expiratory manoeuvres are contraindicated, such as those with inherited vascular connective tissue disorders. Here we examine the role of IOS in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma in such patients through a clinical case series and literature review. The clinical case series comprised of data from 12 patients with inherited connective tissue disorders representing 32 clinical encounters.
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