Differences in percentage predicted spirometric values obtained with thirteen reference equations applied to healthy...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Limited data exists on discrepancies in spirometric values derived from various prediction equations (PEs) in healthy children.
• Accurate spirometry is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring pediatric respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the differences in percentage predicted (PP) lung function values obtained using thirteen different PEs in healthy Chilean children.
• To compare these PEs against the GLI-2012 reference equation and include the race-neutral GLI-2022 equation.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 208 healthy Chilean children aged 7-17 years was analyzed.
• PP values for FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, and FEV1/FVC were calculated using thirteen PEs.
• Statistical analysis compared PP values from each PE against the GLI-2012 reference.

Main Results:

• Wide ranges of differences in PP values were observed across PEs for both boys and girls.
• Significant differences between GLI-2012 and other PEs were more frequent in girls (p < 0.001).
• The GLI-2022 race-neutral equation also showed variability when compared to GLI-2012.

Conclusions:

• Substantial variability exists in spirometric PP values calculated by different PEs, including GLI-2022.
• Findings suggest potential interpretative and clinical implications for pediatric lung function assessment.
• There is a need for standardized, multicenter studies in Latin America to identify PEs suitable for regional pediatric populations.