Though the approach used to classify chronic respiratory diseases is changing to
a treatable-traits (TT) approach, data regarding very elderly patients is
lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess TT frequency in very
elderly patients and to study the link between extrapulmonary TT and ventilatory
defects. Individuals (≥75 years) residing in elderly care centres answered a
standardised questionnaire, underwent spirometry, atopy and fractional exhaled
nitric oxide assessments and had their blood pressure and peripheral pulse
oximetry measured. Pulmonary, extrapulmonary and behavioural TT were evaluated.
Outcome variables were an airflow limitation (post-bronchodilator z-score
FEV1/FVC<−1.64) and a restrictive spirometry pattern (z-score
FEV1/FVC ≥ +1.64 and z-score FVC<−1.64). Seventy-two percent
of the individuals who took part in the study (n= 234) were
women, and the median age of participants was 86 (IQR: 7.4). At least one
pulmonary TT was identified in 105 (44.9%) individuals. The most frequent
extrapulmonary TTs were: persistent systemic inflammation (47.0%), anaemia
(34.4%), depression (32.5%) and obesity (27.4). Airflow limitation was
exclusively associated with smoking (OR 5.03; 95% CI 1.56–16.22). A restrictive
spirometry pattern was associated with cognitive impairment (OR: 3.89; 95% CI:
1.55–9.79). A high frequency of various TTs was found. The novel association
between a restrictive spirometry pattern and cognitive impairment highlights the
urgency of clinical research on this vulnerable age group.