[Determination of spirometric values in a normal Chilean population over 5 years old, at sea level].
BACKGROUND
The interpretation of spirometric results requires reference values. Up to the moment, the reference values used in Chile are those of Knudson et al, obtained in a white North American population studied in Tucson, USA.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain reference spirometric values from a Chilean population.


METHODS
Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were obtained from a randomly selected population of 850 healthy non-smoking subjects living at sea level, in cities without atmospheric pollution. Equipment and techniques were used according to the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society.


RESULTS
Linear regression equations were obtained, using age and height as independent variables and spirometric values as dependent variables, for both sexes and ages from 6 to 70 years old. Our values for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume were 9 to 18% and 10 to 15% higher than those reported by Knudson et al.


CONCLUSIONS
Chilean spirometric reference values differ from those used abroad, emphasizing the need to use local standards to interpret spirometric results.
Gutiérrez
M
M
Hospital Naval de Viña del Mar, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
Rioseco
F
F
Rojas
A
A
Casanova
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000531:Altitude; D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008449:Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D013147:Spirometry; D014797:Vital Capacity