Short Communication Predicted equations for pulmonary function in normal adolescent south indian population

Pulmonary functions are affected by variables like age, sex, height, weight, and geographic location. Our study aims to establish predicted equations for pulmonary functions in normal South Indian adolescent population. 400 subjects were grouped into pre & peripubertal (10-14 years) and pubertal (15 to 18 years) age categories. Anthropometric data collected, PFT assessed using portable data logging Spirometer MIR II. Mean FVC and FEV1 values were 2.80 L, 2.49 L in boys and 2.34 L, 2.12 L in girls respectively. Predicted equations for both adolescent age groups were generated by using linear regression analysis. PFT were significantly different in both age categories in boys and girls. PFT increased with increasing age and significantly correlated with the anthropometric parameters. Region specific and age specific predicted equations for PFT are generated from this study. Indian J Physiol Pharm col 2014; 58(3) : 288–291 *Corresponding author : Dr. R. Sitalakshmi M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, # 7, Works Road, Chromepet, Chennai – 600 044, Tamil Nadu; Email: [email protected] (Received on September 21, 2012) adolescent studies are very limited. Lung functions are affected by known variables such as age, stature, gender , phys ica l ac t iv i ty and env i ronmenta l conditions. Lung function increases linearly with age and height during the adolescent growth spurt at 1012 yrs in females and 16-19 yrs in males. The vital capacity increases in boys and girls rapidly and almost linearly till about 18 years (2). Reference va lues p lay an impor tant ro le in establishing whether, in an individual, measured volumes fall within a range to be expected for a healthy person of the same sex, similar stature, age, and other character ist ics. The most common respiratory disorder in children is bronchial asthma 4-5% and its prevalence is increasing worldwide (3), Introduction Adolescent population account for 25% of the world population, of which 85% are in the developing countries. In India the adolescent population is 243 million, 16% of whom are in Chennai city (1). Adolescents are often healthier than older children and their health problems are taken for granted & Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 58(3) Prediction Equations for PFTs in Adolescents 289 test. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the association of pulmonary functions with BMI. Linear regression analysis was performed for generation of prediction equations. The level of significance was taken at 5% level.