A Study on Smoking-related Lung Function Abnormalities and Correlation With Serum Biomarkers in Chinese

Tobacco-smoking causes lung function decline with airflow obstruction, which may be accelerated in persistent smokers.This would eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Hong Kong and globally. Lung function decline is gradual and not appreciated by the smoker until damage is advanced, and often under-recognised in the early stages of disease by healthcare providers. Spirometry is an established lung function measurement tool, and the most simple objective method to detect lung function decline. There is literature suggesting that newer spirometric parameters, FEV3 and FEV6, which are easier to achieve in the measurement process than conventional parameters, are comparable alternatives in detecting lung function decline.

The aims of this study are:

1. to evaluate and compare lung function decline in persistent smokers and non-smokers
2. to study the usefulness of FEV3/FVC and FEV1/FEV6 in detecting lung function decline
3. to correlate symptom scores with lung function parameters
4. To correlate serum biomarker levels with respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters in smokers and non-smokers

This is a follow-up study on a territory wide cohort including smokers and non-smokers, who have undergone lung function testing in 2001-03. Subjects will be invited to have repeat lung function assessment.

The demonstration of excessive lung function decline in the local smoking population would reinforce the anti-tobacco message in the community. Establishing the practical utility of newer lung function parameters can help to disseminate their utilization for early objective health information, which would provide incentives for healthcare professionals as well as individual smokers in the pursuance of smoking cessation.