engleski

Ventilatory functions in Croatian population in comparison with European reference values

Aim. To compare ventilatory capacity measurements in a Croatian population to values for ventilatory function predicted by conventional equations based on measurements on European populations. Methods. Ventilatory capacity and respiratory symptoms were studied in a group of 2, 482 healthy non-smokers (1, 162 men and 1, 320 women). The measurements were performed using a pneumotach spirometer. Maximum expiratory flow volume curves (MEFV) were registered on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (MEF50, MEF25) were recorded. Anthropometric data were also recorded. Reference values were calculated by using the multiple linear regression method. Results. Comparisons of our values with the prediction equations issued by the European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) showed that healthy Croatians demonstrated systematically smaller values for FVC and FEV1 but higher values for MEF50 and MEF25 than the ECSC/ERS recommendations. These differences were smaller for women than for men. On the basis of the results of multiple linear regressions, prediction equations for ventilatory function in Croatian population were constructed. Conclusion. Croatians present significantly smaller different ventilatory capacity measurements in comparison to ECSC/ERS reference values.

ventilatory function; pulmonary ventilation; respiratory function tests; reference values; Croatian population; population characteristics

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