Pulmonary function tests in Indian girls--prediction equations.

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate pulmonary functions and develop prediction equations in Indian girls.

Methods: 1038 normal healthy schoolgirls in the age group of 5 to 15 years were selected for the present study. The anthropometrical parameters like height, weight, sitting height and chest circumference were measured and body surface area (BSA) and fat free mass (FFM) were derived using equations. The pulmonary functions such as FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were studied.

Results: The height, sitting height, weight, BSA, chest circumference, body fat as well as FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were comparable with Indian standards. Multiple regression equations were developed to predict FEV1, FVC and PEFR using anthropometrical indices like height, fat free mass and age or chest circumference in view of significantly high correlation of these parameters with lung function variables [height and FEV1 (r-0.90), height and FVC (r-0.899), height and PEFR (r-0.891), chest and FEV1 (r-0.868), chest and FVC (r-0.867), chest and PEFR (r-0.83)].

Conclusion: The regression equations to predict the pulmonary functions were presented using the independent variables like height, fat free mass and chest circumference or age, since these variables have shown very strong predictability for FEV1, FVC and PEFR. The equations presented in this study can be considered as referral standards for Indian girls.