Normative values of pulmonary function testing in Chinese adults.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pulmonary function reference values vary significantly across different ethnic groups.
• Accurate pulmonary function assessment is crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases.
• Existing prediction equations, like those from the European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC), may not accurately reflect lung function in Chinese adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pulmonary function values between Chinese and Caucasian adults.
• To establish the most appropriate reference values for pulmonary function in Chinese adults.
• To identify ethnic-specific differences in lung function parameters.

Main Methods:

• Pulmonary function tests were conducted on 4773 healthy Chinese subjects across diverse regions of China.
• Prediction equations from ECSC, overseas Chinese, and Caucasians were analyzed.
• Regression coefficients for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, total lung capacity (TLC), and residual volume (RV) were determined.

Main Results:

• ECSC predictions showed closer agreement with Chinese data compared to other Caucasian equations.
• Chinese males exhibited 5.3% lower FVC and 3.3% lower FEV1 than ECSC predictions, with regional variations.
• Chinese adults had lower RV and TLC compared to Caucasians, with notable differences in females.

Conclusions:

• The study recommends using the newly derived equations for predicting pulmonary function in Chinese adults.
• Alternatively, ECSC equations can be utilized with specific conversion factors for the Chinese population.
• These findings facilitate more accurate diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions in Chinese individuals.