Discordance in spirometric interpretations based on korean and non-korean reference equations.
OBJECTIVE
Korean regression models for spirometric reference values are different from those of other ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate discordance in spirometric interpretations based on using Korean reference equations versus non-Korean reference equations.


METHODS
Spirometry was performed on 825 Korean male workers from April 2009 to November 2011. The spirometric patterns and disease severity were evaluated using two Korean equations (Choi's and Lee's) and three equations for Caucasians (NHANES III, Morris's, and Knudson's), and the results of Choi's equation were compared with the non-Korean equations. The spirometric patterns were defined as normal, restrictive, and mild and moderate obstructive.


RESULTS
The mean differences in the FEV1% and FVC% between the two Korean equations were 2.0 ± 1.3% and 3.5 ± 2.2%, respectively. Morris's equation had the greatest difference in the FEV1% from Choi's equation: 32.9 ± 8.5%. Knudson's equation had the greatest difference in the FVC% from Choi's equation: 10.5 ± 6.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The two Korean equations shared similar characteristics of spirometric interpretation. The spirometric interpretations of Choi's equation were significantly different from those of Morris's equation and Knudson's equation.
Nami
N
Kim
Mi-Hee
MH
Park
Se-Yeong
SY
Kim
Chunhui
C
Suh
Sangyoon
S
Lee
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine & Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, 75, Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 633-165, Republic of Korea. gunbros@daum.net.
Kun-Hyung
KH
Kim
Chae-Kwan
CK
Lee
Dae-Hwan
DH
Kim
Jong-Tae
JT
Lee