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Lung Diffusing Capacity at Age 22 and its Life-Course Determinants: Evidence from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort.
Larissa Picanço1, Ana Maria Baptista Menezes2, Paula Duarte de Oliveira1
1Post graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Brazilian Company of Hospital Services (EBSERH), Brasilia, Brazil.
Archivos De Bronconeumologia
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Early-life factors and modifiable exposures like smoking and obesity significantly impact lung diffusing capacity (DLCO) in young adults. These findings highlight DLCO as an early indicator of respiratory health, crucial for prevention and risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lung function assessment in young adults is crucial for understanding long-term respiratory health.
- Early-life determinants and lifestyle factors can influence pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) parameters at 22 years of age.
- To examine associations between DLCO and socio-demographic, health, and behavioral factors in a large birth cohort.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 3350 participants from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort at their 22-year follow-up.
- DLCO, alveolar volume (VA), and transfer coefficient (KCO) were modeled using linear regressions, stratified by sex.
Main Results:
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower DLCO and VA in men.
- Low birth weight was linked to reduced DLCO and VA in women.
- Obesity and smoking were associated with altered DLCO, VA, and KCO parameters in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary diffusing capacity is significantly influenced by early-life conditions and modifiable exposures such as smoking and obesity.
- DLCO can serve as an early marker for respiratory and systemic health in young adults.
- Findings support the implementation of prevention strategies and risk stratification for respiratory conditions.
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