title: [Vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rates in a North-African population aged 60 years and over: influence of anthropometric data and parity].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aims of this study were to calculate predictive equations for respiratory variables (FVC, FEV1, FEF25%-75%, and PEFR) in elderly north-African people and to study the effect of parity on the respiratory function.
  
  
  METHODS
  FVC and forced expiratory flows were measured in a "healthy" sample of 186 subjects aged 60 years and over (66% women). The measurements were made in health centres using portable spirometers. Predictive equations were determined by the technique of multiple linear regression using standing height and age as independent variables. The effect of parity on ventilatory function was studied by comparing two groups defined by a parity greater or less than 4.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The respiratory variables measured in this elderly north-african population were significantly different from those established references ranges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High parity is associated with a significant reduction in peak flow rate.
authors.affiliation: Service de Physiologie et des Explorations Fonctionnelles, CHU Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ben Saad
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rouatbi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raoudha
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tabka
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Laouani Kechrid
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hassen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Guenard
mesh_terms: D000352:Africa, Northern; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010298:Parity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D013147:Spirometry; D014797:Vital Capacity