[Lung function prediction equations in Tunisian children: taking into consideration pubertal stage].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to set lung function prediction equations in Tunisian children with standing height and pubertal stage as the independent variables.


METHODS
Spirometric values were measured with a Minato portable Spirometer in 684 asymptomatic Tunisian children (351 boys and 333 girls), 8 to 16 years of age. The specific parameters of pulmonary function that were measured included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Maximal Expiratory Flow at 50% of the vital capacity (MEF(50)), and Maximum Mild Expiratory Flow between 25 and 75% (MMEF(25-75)). The pubertal status was assessed for males and females according to the Tanner method.


RESULTS
A large variation was observed in the distribution of children's age and height by pubertal stages in both sexes. Multiple regression equations for FVC, FEV(1), MEF(50), MEF(25-75), and PEF for both sexes are presented with standing height and pubertal stage as the independent variables.


CONCLUSIONS
The establishment of validated reference values relevant to the ethnic group of the local population should significantly improve medical surveillance of respiratory diseases in Tunisian children.
Trabelsi
Y
Y
Laboratoire de physiologie et des explorations fonctionnelles, faculté de médecine, université de Sousse, 4002 Sousse, Tunisie. trabelsiyassine@yahoo.fr
Tabka
Z
Z
Richalet
J-P
JP
Bouchez-Buvry
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D012016:Reference Values; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013147:Spirometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014416:Tunisia