[Growth and ventilatory function in Black children and adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Anthropometry
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Lung function reference values are crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions in children.
• Existing spirometric data often originates from Caucasian populations, potentially misrepresenting lung function in diverse ethnic groups.
• Anthropometric measurements correlate with lung volumes and flows, but population-specific equations are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an anthropometric and spirometric study in Senegalese children and adolescents.
• To investigate the relationship between somatic growth and lung function development.
• To establish population-specific regression equations for spirometric parameters in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• An anthropometric and spirometric study was conducted on 119 males and 82 females in Senegal.
• Statural and thoracic growth rates were analyzed in relation to age.
• Correlations between spirometric parameters (volumes, flows) and anthropometric data (height, weight) were calculated.

Main Results:

• Senegalese children and adolescents showed spirometric values similar to Black American and African populations.
• Pulmonary volumes were approximately 20% lower than Caucasian reference values.
• Forced expiratory flows were only about 10% lower than Caucasian values, suggesting anatomical differences.
• African children possess smaller thoraxes and longer limbs, impacting lung capacity.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical differences, specifically a smaller thorax, explain the reduced pulmonary volumes in Senegalese children compared to Caucasians.
• The rate of somatic and lung growth differs between Senegalese and Caucasian children.
• The proposed regression equations serve as vital spirometric reference values for African children and adolescents.