Prevalence, stability, and clinical significance of an isolated low FEV spirometry pattern in children.

Objectives: In adults, an isolated low FEV pattern (an FEV below the lower limit of normal with a preserved FVC and FEV/FVC) has been associated with the risk of developing airway obstruction. Our objective was to examine the prevalence, stability, and clinical significance of an isolated low FEV pattern in the pediatric population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of spirometries from children ages 6-21 years and categorized tests into spirometry patterns according to published guidelines and recent literature.