Impaired Ventilatory Efficiency as a Novel Indicator of Pre-COPD: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Cohort studyCHEST pulmonary· Jun 2026

Zhishan Deng, Fan Wu, Qi Wan … Pixin Ran

Pulmonology & Critical CareCohort studyPrognosisQ1IF 1.6

Impaired ventilatory efficiency linked to over twice the risk of COPD

Zhishan Deng … Pixin Ran

CHEST pulmonary · Jun 2026

Background

Accurately identifying pre-COPD is fundamental to delaying its onset and improving prognosis.

Methods

With preserved spirometry were included.

n = 573 participants

Results

impaired ventilatory efficiency more than doubles the risk of developing COPD

HR 2.31 (95% CI 1.55 to 3.43)

CI excludes the null - significant

“

Conclusion

Our results show that impaired ventilatory efficiency is a potential indicator for pre-COPD.