Reference values for spirometry in Brazilian children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Spirometry is crucial for assessing lung function in children.
• Existing reference equations in Brazil may not accurately reflect the diverse pediatric population.
• Accurate reference values are needed for diagnosing and managing pediatric respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish new, updated reference values for spirometry in Brazilian children aged 3 to 12 years.
• To compare these new values with existing spirometry equations used in Brazil.
• To investigate the influence of skin color on spirometric reference values.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study combining primary and secondary data from 1,990 healthy Brazilian children (3-12 years).
• Quantile regression analysis was used to generate new reference equations after log-transforming spirometric and anthropometric data.
• Spirometric parameters including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75% were analyzed, considering self-reported skin color.

Main Results:

• New spirometric reference equations were generated for white, black, and brown-skinned children.
• Height and age were significant predictors of FEV1 and FVC, with skin color also playing a role.
• The newly derived reference values were significantly higher than those from current Brazilian equations, particularly for children with black or brown skin.

Conclusions:

• Novel spirometric reference equations have been developed for Brazilian children aged 3-12, categorized by skin color.
• Current spirometry equations used in Brazil appear to underestimate lung function in this pediatric age group.
• The proposed equations are recommended for more accurate assessment of lung function in Brazilian children.