Applicability of GLI 2012 spirometry equation among preschool aged Jordanian

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Validation Studies

Background:

• Accurate spirometry interpretation requires validated reference equations specific to regional populations.
• The Global Lung Initiative (GLI) 2012 equations are widely used but require validation in diverse ethnic and age groups.
• Preschool-aged children in the Middle East have not been previously assessed using GLI 2012 equations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) 2012 spirometry equations for use in Middle Eastern preschool-aged children.
• To assess the applicability of GLI 2012 Caucasian and Other/Mixed equations in healthy Jordanian children aged 3-5 years.

Main Methods:

• Spirometry data were collected from 765 healthy Jordanian children aged 3-5 years (54% male).
• z scores and percent predicted values were calculated using GLI 2012 equations for Caucasian and Other/Mixed groups.
• The frequency of spirometry measures below the lower limit of normal (LLN) was determined.

Main Results:

• GLI 2012 Caucasian equations yielded mean z-scores close to zero for most parameters in boys and girls.
• GLI 2012 Other/Mixed equations showed higher mean z-scores, particularly in boys.
• The frequency of measures below LLN using the Caucasian equations was not significantly different from the expected 5%.

Conclusions:

• The GLI 2012 equations for Caucasians demonstrate a reasonable fit for assessing lung function in Jordanian preschool-aged children.
• These findings support the use of GLI 2012 Caucasian equations in clinical practice for this population.
• Further validation in broader Middle Eastern pediatric cohorts is recommended.