Density dependence of maximal expiratory flow in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pulmonary mechanics were studied in 22 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who had no evidence of asthma. Eleven of the 22 patients had a density dependence of maximal expiratory flow within the reported normal range. Patients with normal density dependence (responders) were not different from those with decreased density dependence (nonresponders) in mean age, smoking history, symptoms of cough or dyspnea, maximal expiratory flow at 75, 50, and 25% of the vital capacity during air breathing, total lung capacity, or static elastic lung recoil at 50% of the vital capacity. The nonresponders had smaller vital capacity values, larger ratios of residual volume to total lung capacity, higher resistance, and lower static recoil at total lung capacity. There was a correlation between diffusing capacity for CO and density dependence. There was an inverse relationship between the change in density dependence after inhalation of isoproterenol and initial density dependence. Dysanaptic lung growth and increased compliance of the central airways are potential mechanisms for normal density dependence in these patients. The prevalence of normal density dependence in these patients with established COPD raises serious questions concerning the usefulness of density dependence in the early detection of COPD. The differences in density dependence may indicate differences in pathogenesis of the airflow obstruction and hence may be of prognostic significance.