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[Reproducibility of spirometry in Mexican workers and international reference values]
J R Pérez-Padilla1, J Regalado-Pineda, J C Vázquez-García
1Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Departamento de Fisiología Respiratoria, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, 14080 México, D.F., México. perezpad@servidor.unam.mx
Salud Publica De Mexico
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Mexican workers claiming disability can perform reproducible spirometry. However, their lung function values (FVC and FEV1) exceed standard prediction equations, suggesting a need for localized reference values for accurate disability assessment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Pulmonary function testing
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Spirometry is crucial for assessing respiratory health and work-related disability.
- Existing prediction equations for spirometry may not accurately reflect lung function in diverse populations like Mexican workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the spirometric function of Mexican workers seeking disability claims.
- To assess the applicability of international spirometric prediction equations in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 5771 spirometries conducted using American Thoracic Society standards.
- Development of multiple regression equations for lung function based on age and height, stratified by sex.
- Comparison of generated equations with established North American (Knudson, Hankinson) and European (Quanjer) equations.
Main Results:
- 80% of spirometry tests met reproducibility criteria (ATS).
- Mean Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) were higher than predicted by Knudson and Quanjer equations for both men and women.
- Lung function values more closely aligned with Hankinson's equations, which include Mexican-American data.
Conclusions:
- The majority of Mexican workers seeking disability can produce reliable spirometry results.
- Standard international spirometric prediction equations may overestimate disability by underestimating normal lung function in this group.
- Developing specific reference values for Mexican workers is essential to reduce errors in disability evaluations.