[Reference values for lung function testing in adults--results from the study of health in Pomerania" (SHIP)].
OBJECTIVE
The assessment of lung function with spirometry is a frequently performed diagnostic procedure and is considered an important tool in medical monitoring of pulmonary diseases. This study aimed at establishing current reference standards, derived from a representative population sample in West Pomerania of Germany and to compare them to existing data.


METHODS
Standardized spirometric function tests were performed - 1sec forced respiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) - on 1,809 participants (885 men, 924 women) of a cross-sectional epidemiological survey, called Study of Health in Pomerania ( SHIP).


RESULTS
All persons with cardiac disorders, current smokers and those who were on specific medication which could influence lung functions were excluded, leaving a total of 904 healthy subjects (439 men, 465 women, aged 25-85 years. The results were analysed by quantile regression.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provides a representative, gender specific set of predictive equations for lung function parameters by spirometry. Comparison to existing prediction equations revealed a consistent underestimation in the current population. The results help to interpret the results of lung function tests: it is therefore recommended that the existing prediction equations be revised.
Koch
B
B
Klinik für Innere Medizin B - Bereiche Kardiologie, Pneumologie, Infektiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald. beate.koch@uni-greifswald.de
Schäper
C
C
Ittermann
T
T
Völzke
H
H
Felix
S B
SB
Ewert
R
R
Gläser
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods; D014797:Vital Capacity; D055815:Young Adult