Reconsidering the arm span-height relationship in patients referred for spirometry.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Anthropometry
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) require reference values adjusted for age, sex, and height.
• Measuring height can be challenging in patients with thoracic deformities or mobility issues.
• Current alternatives like arm span measurements have their own limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between arm span, measured height, and height from identity documents (ID height).
• To assess the influence of age and sex on height prediction using these anthropometric measures.
• To determine the most accurate method for estimating height in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 2,452 Caucasian subjects without chest or spine deformities.
• Comparison of regression equations for predicting height from arm span and ID height.
• Evaluation of diagnostic concordance using different height estimation methods.

Main Results:

• Both age and sex significantly impact height prediction from arm span and ID height.
• Height estimation from ID height demonstrated superior diagnostic concordance compared to arm span.
• Age correction for ID height did not improve concordance in individuals under 70 years.

Conclusions:

• Identity document height is a more reliable substitute for measured height than arm span in PFT reference value calculations.
• Clinicians can utilize ID height when measured prior to stature changes, considering age and sex adjustments.
• This method improves accuracy for PFT interpretation in specific patient populations.