DETERMINATION OF MORTALITY RISK IN OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY SYNDROMES - PHYSICAL-EXAMINATION COMPARED WITH MEASUREMENT OF FORCED EXPIRED VOLUME IN ONE-SECOND

A standardized physical examination based on 4 clinical signs was compared to the FEV1 [1 s forced expiratory volume] with regard to ability to determine 5 yr mortality risk in patients with varying degrees of obstructive airway disease. Both evaluation methods identified low, intermediate and high risk groups within the population studies. Individuals with no positive physical signs, or with an FEV1 of 0.70% of predicted had mortality not significantly greater than that predicted on the basis of standard mortality tables. There was no difference between the FEV1 and the physical examination in ability to predict mortality.