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Assessing correlations between spirometry and Shwachman-Kulczycki score in children and adolescents
I Assis1, P A M Camargos, F J C Reis
1Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, University Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Alfredo Balena 190/Sala 4061, 30130-300 Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Abstract:
A retrospective observational study was carried out to analyze the correlations between formal pulmonary function tests and the Shwachman-Kulczycki (SK) score. Forty-six Brazilian cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, clinically stable, aged 7-19 years, were included. Clinical and radiological findings of the SK score system and spirometry variables were assessed by independent observers in a blinded manner. The strongest correlation (r = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.85; P < 0.001) was found for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). Despite some peculiarities of our patients, the results are in agreement with studies undertaken in industrialized countries, showing good correlation between FEV1 and SK score and its usefulness in managing CF. Accordingly, in countries where pulmonary function testing is not available, the SK score remains a valuable parameter on which to base treatment results.