Development and validation of predictive equations for spirometry in Portuguese children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Public Health
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Lack of current lung function reference values for Portuguese children.
• Limited contribution of Portuguese data to the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI).

Purpose of the Study:

• Estimate up-to-date spirometry reference values for Portuguese children.
• Assess the external validity of these new values.
• Compare the new reference values with existing GLI values.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 858 children from 20 primary schools for screening.
• Collected spirometry data (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75) from 481 children aged 7-12 years.
• Utilized multivariable regression models to derive reference equations.

Main Results:

• Boys exhibited higher FVC and FEV1 than girls (P < .05).
• Height was the most significant predictor for all spirometry parameters.
• New reference equations demonstrated improved performance compared to GLI values for FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75.

Conclusions:

• Provided updated spirometry reference values for Portuguese children.
• These values are suitable for clinical practice and research applications.
• Highlighted the importance of localized reference data for accurate lung function assessment.