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Abstract Background Reduced lung function predicts increased mortality, but its prevalence may vary depending on definition considered, use of bronchodilation and applied reference values. We aimed to assess lung function abnormalities in Lausanne, Switzerland, and their association with clinical history. Methods In a general population sample, spirometry was performed and bronchodilation applied if the ratio forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) or the FVC was below the lower limit of normal (LLN) according to Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 references. Results for FEV1/FVC according to the LLN were compared to the 0.7 fixed ratio. Respiratory risk factors, symptoms and self-reported respiratory diagnoses were recorded through a questionnaire. Results Out of the 3342 included subjects, 3.8% had chronic obstruction and 2.5% reversible obstruction when using the LLN; possible lung restriction alone was present in 1.8%, and associated with chronic obstruction in 0.4%. Ever smokers had a higher prevalence of abnormal spirometry, chronic obstruction and reversible obstruction; there was no difference with regard to possible restriction. Overall, chronic airway obstruction was found in 8.9% of current smokers, 4.6% of former smokers and 1.5% of never smokers. Only one third of participants with chronic obstruction were aware of a respiratory disease. Conclusion Prevalence of abnormal lung function in the population of Lausanne is low. This may be due to a low rate of ever-smokers, the application of a full bronchodilation dose, but also to inherent characteristics of this population.

The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI 2012) presented multi-ethnic spirometry reference values that are recommended to be used instead previous Zapletals’ reference values. The study aimed to compare the values of the pulmonary parameters calculated according to the Zapletals’ versus the GLI 2012 reference values in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Preoperative pulmonary testing and radiographic evaluation were performed in 39 adolescents (29 females, 10 males) aged 12-17 years. The thoracic Cobb angle ranged 50°-104°. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured. The percentages of predicted values of FVC (%FVC) and the FEV1 (%FEV1) were calculated according to the Zapletals’ reference values and to the GLI 2012 reference values. The subgroup analysis was performed for the subjects with Cobb curve 50°-74° (N=26) versus the subjects with Cobb curve 75°-104° (N=13). Mean %FVC was significantly higher using the Zapletals’ reference values 86.1%±16.4 versus 84.6%±15.6 using the GLI 2012 reference values, p=0.0116. Mean %FEV1 was significantly higher using the Zapletals’ reference values 84.5% ±18.2 versus 80.0% ±16.3 using GLI 2012 reference values, p=0.000001. The subgroup analysis revealed significant difference of %FVC in moderate (p=0.033974) and no difference in severe curves (p=0.1993). The %FEV1 differences were significant in both moderate (p=0.000011) and severe curves (p=0.0334). The study demonstrated that a significant difference might be observed in the spirometry parameters due to the applied reference values. These differences might be taken into account during the spirometry examination interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This novel study aimed to establish spirometric reference values and prediction equations based on a sample of the adult Moroccan population, an endeavor that has not been attempted previously., Methods: In this cross-sectional study involving healthy Moroccan adults, data was collected through a mobile spirometry setup., Results: Our sample comprised 841 healthy adults (384 men and 457 women) aged 18-86 years who underwent spirometry. For both sexes, the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 equations for Caucasians corresponded the best to the studied sample but were not perfectly compatible., Conclusion: The spirometric prediction equations established in this study for Moroccan adults aged 18-86 years best represent the Moroccan population. More extensive future studies are needed to enrich the database of reference values and prediction equations derived from our research., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Bouti et al.)

Introduction: Spirometry is the main pulmonary function test routinely employed in the occupational medicine practice. Its interpretation depends on the choice of the theoretical reference values. Therefore, our objective was to retrospectively evaluate the differences in the spirometric interpretation according to the reference values used. Methods: A total of 2462 spirometries performed during health surveillance programs were analyzed. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio were compared according to three different reference values: the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) 1971, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) 1993, and the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) 2012. Results: The GLI 2012 provided significantly higher predicted mean FVC and FEV1 values compared to the ERS 1993 and significantly lower compared to the ECSC 1971. The GLI 2012 were able to detect all the obstructive deficits and mixed patterns diagnosed with ECSC 1971 and ERS 1993, in addition to others not diagnosed by these two latter reference values. The number of restrictive patterns identified through the GLI 2012 was significantly reduced and increased compared to those diagnosed using the ECSC 1971 and the ERS 1993, respectively. Discussion: In comparison to the GLI 2012, the ERS 1993 values significantly underestimated obstructive and restrictive alterations. Conversely, the ECSC 1971 significantly underestimated obstructive changes, while overestimated restrictive patterns, compared to GLI. Although the GLI reference values may provide a correct spirometric interpretation, their validation in an Italian worker population is necessary to confirm their possible use in routine occupational health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reduced lung function predicts increased mortality, but its prevalence may vary depending on definition considered, use of bronchodilation and applied reference values. We aimed to assess lung function abnormalities in Lausanne, Switzerland, and their association with clinical history.Methods: In a general population sample, spirometry was performed and bronchodilation applied if the ratio forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) or the FVC was below the lower limit of normal (LLN) according to Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 references. Results for FEV1/FVC according to the LLN were compared to the 0.7 fixed ratio. Respiratory risk factors, symptoms and self-reported respiratory diagnoses were recorded through a questionnaire.Results: Out of the 3342 included subjects, 3.8% had chronic obstruction and 2.5% reversible obstruction when using the LLN; possible lung restriction alone was present in 1.8%, and associated with chronic obstruction in 0.4%. Ever smokers had a higher prevalence of abnormal spirometry, chronic obstruction and reversible obstruction; there was no difference with regard to possible restriction. Overall, chronic airway obstruction was found in 8.9% of current smokers, 4.6% of former smokers and 1.5% of never smokers. Only one third of participants with chronic obstruction were aware of a respiratory disease.Conclusion: Prevalence of abnormal lung function in the population of Lausanne is low. This may be due to a low rate of ever-smokers, the application of a full bronchodilation dose, but also to inherent characteristics of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies showed important differences in the interpretation of spirometry based on different reference values, in particular by comparing European Respiratory Society (ERS) 1993 and Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012. The validation of new reference values in local populations is essential before they can be used in an appropriate manner. This study aimed to investigate the fit of GLI reference values in a healthy Italian working population., Methods: Spirometry data were collected in 1355 workers during their health surveillance medical examination conducted for exposure to chemical and biological risk factors. A single portable spirometer that met the ATS/ERS recommendations for occupational testing was used and calibrated daily., Results: Average z-score were -0.13 (with a median of -0.17), -0.25 (with a median of -0.24), and 0.18 (with a median of 0.17) for FEV 1 , FVC, and FEV 1 /FVC ratio, respectively. Considering only the normal-weighted workers, the average z-scores were -0.07 (with a median of -0.16), -0.15 (with a median of -0.16), and 0.07 (with a median of 0.02) for FEV 1 , FVC, and FEV 1 /FVC ratio, respectively., Conclusions: GLI 2012 reference values fit the Italian data satisfactorily, resulting as more accurate than ERS 1993, especially in women, normal-weighted subjects, aged 30-50 years, and for height < 165 cm.

Background: Spirometric reference values are crucial in screening, diagnosis and monitoring the therapeutic course of respiratory diseases. These values from a representative population are key to making a precise interpretation of respiratory diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the spirometric reference values of a healthy Jordanian population., Method: Participants were recruited from Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan and from several pharmacies, polyclinics and hospitals in different cities in Jordan. To formulate Jordanian-specific spirometric reference values, generalised additive models for location scale and shape (GAMLSS) were used., Results: Spirometric reference values were derived from 1,949 healthy nonsmoking adults (1,061 females) and validated in 300 healthy nonsmoking subjects (150 females)., Conclusion: Spirometric reference values were developed for a Middle Eastern adult population.

Introduction: Airway obstruction (AO), mainly due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults, is a major cause of mortality and poor quality of life. However, few data are available for France. This study was designed to calculate the prevalence AO among middle-aged adults in northern France, explore the associated risk factors and evaluate the underdiagnosis., Methods: The Enquête Littoral Souffle Air Biologie Environnement (ELISABET) was a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 3276 adults aged from 40 to 64 in two urban areas in northern France (Lille and Dunkirk). Participants filled out a questionnaire and performed spirometry testing, without a reversibility test., Results: The age-standardized estimated prevalence [95% confidence interval] of AO was 16.0% [13.9; 17.9] in Lille and 13.7% [11.7; 15.7] in Dunkirk with the Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) definition and 10.8% [9.2; 12.5] and 9.5% [7.9; 11.2] respectively with the lower limit of normal calculated with the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) 2012 equations. AO was associated with age, male gender, tobacco consumption and low body mass index. The underdiagnosis rate was greater than 70%. Previously undiagnosed participants with AO displayed more respiratory symptoms compared with participants without AO and less than participants with previously diagnosed AO., Conclusion: The prevalence of AO in northern France ranged from 9.5 to 16.0%, depending on the centre and definition used. The high underdiagnosis rate observed here suggests that greater efforts should be made to identify individuals presenting with the symptoms and/or risk factors associated with AO., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: COPD prevalence estimates vary mostly depending on different study methodologies. We evaluated the prevalence and clinical features of COPD, as defined by GOLD and ERS/ATS recommendations in a representative sample of Northern Italy general population., Methods: A randomized cross-sectional study was performed. The study participants completed a questionnaire covering: key indicators for considering a diagnosis of COPD, self-reported physician diagnoses of respiratory disease, pharmacological treatment for respiratory disease, indirect costs, occupational and environmental exposures. They also underwent spirometry and physician assessment., Results: We evaluated 1236 subjects. Daily respiratory symptoms were experienced by 26.7%. Of this group, only 30.7% had previously performed a spirometry. The overall COPD prevalence was: 11.7% according to GOLD criterion; 9.1% according to LLN criterion; 6.8% according to self-reported physician diagnosis. Of note, 48,8% of subjects with a reported diagnosis of COPD had never undergone a spirometry before the study., Conclusions: Our study provides an estimation of COPD prevalence in a representative sample of Northern Italy general population relying on both clinical symptoms and spirometry outcomes, and describes the different prevalence rates depending on the adopted diagnostic criterion. Spirometry underuse may account for under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of COPD. It may result in a major impact on quality of life as well as in economic burden., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)