Reference spirometric values in healthy Nicaraguan male workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonary Physiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Establishing accurate reference equations for lung function indices is crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases.
• Previous studies have not adequately represented specific occupational groups or diverse populations like Nicaraguan male workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive and validate reference equations for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio in healthy Nicaraguan male workers.
• To identify key demographic predictors influencing these lung function parameters.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lung function data (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) from healthy Nicaraguan male workers.
• Inclusion of age, height, and weight as independent variables.
• Testing of linear, quadratic, and multi-phase models to determine the best fit for reference equations.

Main Results:

• Age and height were significant predictors for FVC and FEV1.
• A non-linear relationship was observed between FVC/FEV1 and age, with a slope change around 32 years.
• The multi-phase model provided the best fit for the derived lung function equations.
• A significant negative linear correlation was found between FEV1/FVC ratio and age.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel reference equations for lung function in Nicaraguan male workers.
• Significant differences were noted compared to existing equations, potentially due to racial, genetic, nutritional, occupational, or sociocultural factors.
• These findings highlight the need for population-specific reference values in pulmonary function testing.