[Typologic analysis of comparative effects of tobacco and Pi phenotype on the respiratory function]

Seven hundred and fourty-eight subjects from the general population were included in a transversal epidemiologic survey. The aim was the determination of a possible relationship between functional profile and Pi phenotype. Seric levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) and phenotypes were determined in all subjects. All underwent clinical examination, chest X-ray and functional tests (flow-volume curves and single breath nitrogen test). Distribution of the various phenotypes appeared similar to those described in other studies. No homozygote Z was found. Typologic analysis allowed identification of 7 functional profiles, among which 3 were normal and 4 had various levels of obstruction. The comparison between functional impairment and the phenotypes or smoking habits showed that smoking played the major part in the onset of obstructive disease. Mean age of the population surveyed was however rather low, which led to questions about rapidity of onset of chronic obstructive lung disease. This survey thus will lead to a longitudinal study.