Relation between the different patterns of distribution of airway elastin fibres detected by FCFM (see figure 2) and lung function in the studied subjects
| Lamellar pattern | Mixed pattern | Loose pattern | p Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tlco, % reference | 72.9±22.4 | 67.8±18 | 64.3±14.6 | 0.775 |
| Kco, % reference | 75.1±16.7 | 73.6±13.3 | 69±16.6 | 0.635 |
| FEV1, % reference | 80.8±22.9 | 84.3±24.5 | 79.5±24.5 | 0.92 |
| FEV1/FVC, % | 67.7±17.7 | 70.15±11.8 | 60±8.4 | 0.28 |
FCFM, fibred confocal fluorescence microscopy; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FVC, forced vital capacity; Kco, carbon monoxide transfer coefficient; Tlco, carbon monoxide lung transfer factor.