FEV6 assessment in spirometric abnormalities screening: the first population-based study in Italian pharmacies

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The FEV1/FEV six seconds ratio is a validated parameter for screening airway obstruction and restriction.
• Electronic spirometry in pharmacies offers potential benefits for diagnostic test prescription and early detection of asthma and COPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of electronic spirometry for screening airway obstruction and restriction in a community pharmacy setting.
• To assess the potential for improving diagnostic test prescription appropriateness and facilitating early diagnosis of respiratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• A screening program involving 500 pharmacies in the Piemonte region of Italy.
• Pharmacists used the PiKo-6® electronic spirometer to assess ventilatory function, identifying probable obstruction (pO) and probable restriction (pR).
• Data collected included subject demographics, smoking status, and current therapies, analyzed via a web application.

Main Results:

• Male smokers showed a 7% probable obstruction rate, consistent with literature on obstructive lung disease.
• Underweight individuals exhibited higher rates of probable obstruction (8%) and probable restriction (35%).
• Patients on bronchodilators, diabetics, and those on diuretics showed elevated rates of probable obstruction and/or restriction.

Conclusions:

• Six-second spirometry appears to be a valid screening tool for detecting potential airway obstruction and restriction within community pharmacies.
• The findings suggest a potential for rationalizing medical visit access and optimizing prescription appropriateness.
• Implementing this screening can lead to public cost savings and enhance the role of community pharmacies within the Italian National Health System.