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[Comparison of spirometric reference values in Chilean children].
Cecilia G Alvarez1, Pablo V Brockmann, Pablo N Bertrand
1Departamento de Pediatría, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Santiago, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|January 6, 2005
Summary
Interpreting pediatric lung function in Chile shows significant variability between Gutierrez and Knudson reference values. Local standards are needed to ensure accurate diagnosis of respiratory conditions like asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- Accurate interpretation of lung function tests relies on population-specific reference values.
- Chilean expert panels recommended local Gutierrez values over international Knudson values for FVC and FEV1.
- Significant discrepancies exist between these two sets of reference values.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical application and impact of using Gutierrez versus Knudson reference values for pediatric spirometry in Chile.
- To compare the interpretation of lung function test results using two different reference standards.
Summary:
- A retrospective review of 499 pediatric spirometries compared interpretations using Gutierrez (G) and Knudson (K) reference values.
- Using Knudson values, 64.3% were normal, while Gutierrez values classified 68.7% as mild obstructive disease (MOD).
- Lack of concordance in interpretation was observed in 39% of spirometries, highlighting significant variability.
Impact:
- The choice of reference values significantly alters the interpretation of pediatric lung function in Chile.
- Current reference values lead to wide variability in diagnosing respiratory conditions, potentially affecting patient management.
- There is a critical need to redefine local spirometry standards for the Chilean pediatric population.