Spirometry values in a Greek population: is there an appropriate reference equation?

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Clinical Physiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Published lung function test (LFT) reference values often introduce systematic bias.
• Accurate LFT parameters are crucial for diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions.
• Existing equations may not accurately reflect lung function in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare measured FEV1 and FVC values with predicted values in a Greek population.
• To identify discrepancies between existing LFT reference equations and Greek population data.
• To develop new, population-specific reference equations for LFT parameters.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1080 healthy, non-smoking adults (aged 18-80) in Macedonia, Greece.
• Spirometry was performed to measure FEV1 and FVC.
• Measured values were compared against three established sets of reference equations (European, ECSC, NHANES III); multivariate regression analysis was used to derive new equations.

Main Results:

• All tested equations showed discrepancies, particularly in women.
• Existing equations under- or over-predicted FEV1 and FVC in the Greek population.
• New reference equations for FEV1 and FVC were derived based on age and height for Greek men and women.

Conclusions:

• Measured FEV1 and FVC values in the Greek population significantly differed from predictions using existing equations.
• Locally derived spirometry reference equations are likely more suitable for clinical practice in Greece.
• The developed equations can improve the accuracy of lung function assessment in this population.