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Lung function tests in normal Indian children
R V Chowgule1, V M Shetye, J R Parmar
1Department of Chest Medicine, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Science.
Insights
This study measured lung function in 632 healthy children aged 6-15 in Bombay. Height is the most significant factor for predicting lung capacity in children, more so than age or weight.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Pulmonary function assessment is crucial for evaluating respiratory health in children.
- Establishing normative data for lung function parameters is essential for accurate clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine lung function parameters in healthy Indian children.
- To investigate the correlation of lung function with age, height, and weight.
- To identify the most significant predictor of lung function in children.
Main Methods:
- Computerized spirometry was used to measure forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, mid-expiratory flow, and maximum voluntary ventilation.
- Data from 632 healthy children (aged 6-15) in Bombay were analyzed.
- Pulmonary function data were stratified by sex, height, and age, with stepwise regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Lung function variables showed a linear positive correlation with height and age.
- Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second increased significantly after 150 cm height.
- Height was the most significant independent variable explaining variance in lung function parameters.
Conclusions:
- Height is the most critical parameter for clinical evaluation of lung function in children.
- Standard lung function equations should prioritize height as the primary predictor.
- Sex differences exist in certain lung function parameters, particularly at specific age and height thresholds.
Abstract:
The forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, mid-expiratory flow and maximum voluntary ventilation was measured in 632 healthy, normal children from Metropolitan city of Bombay using computerized spirometer. The children were between age range 6 years to 15 years and belong to high or middle and lower socio economic status. The pulmonary function data was separated by sex, and classified on the basis of height and age. The mean and standard deviation for was calculated for every such variable. The lung function variables show a linear positive correlation with height and age. Forced vital capacity and one second forced expiratory volume show a spurt after height 150 cm. Boys show higher values for lung function variables than girls except for mid expiratory flow rates where girls have higher values than boys over height 140 cm and age 9 yrs. Stepwise regression equation was calculated using height, age and weight as independent variables. Height explained the maximum variance in lung function parameters. Use of logarithmic equations for age, weight do not improve the degree of correlation. Hence, for clinical evaluation of child's lung function, height is the most significant independent parameter in comparison to age and weight.