Chen W, et al. - Utilizing data from the Framingham Offspring Cohort, researchers constructed as well as sought validation for an individualized prediction model of lung function trajectory and risk of airflow limitation in the general population. Prebronchodilator FEV₁ was considered as the primary outcome and the risk of airflow limitation (defined as FEV₁/FVC less than the lower limit of normal) was considered as the secondary outcome. For validating the model, they used two large, independent multicenter cohorts (N = 2,075 and 12,913, respectively). The model consisted of 20 common predictors and explained 79% of the variation in FEV₁ reduction in the derivation cohort. With low error, the model predicted FEV₁ decline, as well as displayed high discriminative power for predicting the risk of airflow limitation, in two validation datasets. Findings revealed the accuracy of the individualized predictor for predicting long-term lung function trajectories as well as the risk of airflow limitation in the general population. With the help of this model, it is possible to detect people at higher risk of COPD.