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Gender-related differences in severe, early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
E K Silverman1, S T Weiss, J M Drazen
1Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. ed.silverman@channing.harvard.edu
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|December 9, 2000
Summary
Women may be more susceptible to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study found increased female prevalence and risk factors in female smokers, suggesting a higher susceptibility to COPD development in women.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) historically shows higher prevalence in men, often linked to smoking rates.
- Increasing smoking rates in women have coincided with rising COPD rates in this demographic.
- Early-onset COPD genetics research is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic factors contributing to severe, early-onset COPD.
- To examine gender-specific differences in COPD prevalence and risk within families.
- To identify potential increased susceptibility in women to severe COPD development.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 84 probands with severe, early-onset COPD and 348 first-degree relatives.
- Conducted spirometry and bronchodilator responsiveness testing.
- Utilized univariate and multivariate analyses (generalized estimating equations) to assess risk factors.
Main Results:
- Females comprised a high proportion (71.4%) of early-onset COPD probands.
- Among smokers, female relatives showed significantly lower FEV1/FVC and greater bronchodilator responsiveness compared to males.
- Female smokers had a higher likelihood of profound FEV1 reduction (<40% predicted) and increased risk for FEV1 <80% predicted and FEV1 <40% predicted.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest women may possess a heightened susceptibility to developing severe COPD.
- Gender-specific risk factors, particularly in smoking women, warrant further investigation.
- Genetic and environmental interactions may play a role in early-onset COPD pathogenesis in females.