Closing volume and flow volume abnormalities in alpha(1)-antitrypsin phenotype groups in a community population.

Alpha1-antitrypsin phenotype groups, found in a community population studied in Tucson, were compared by using the maximum expiratory flow volume curve and the single-breath nitrogen test, alone and in combination. Subjects 25 to 54 years of age were used for the comparison, among whom there were 728 Pi M, 29 Pi MZ, and 62 Pi MS phenotypes. None of the flow volume parameters or closing volume parameters was able to differentiate among the phenotype groups; subjects in groups heterozygous for alpha1-antitrypsin did not differ from individuals homozygous for Pi M with regard to any or all flow volume or closing volume parameters.