Regional differences in prediction models of lung function in Germany

Abstract

Background Little is known about the influencing potential of specific characteristics on lung function in different populations. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether lung function determinants differ between subpopulations within Germany and whether prediction equations developed for one subpopulation are also adequate for another subpopulation. Methods Within three studies (KORA C, SHIP-I, ECRHS-I) in different areas of Germany 4059 adults performed lung function tests. The available data consisted of forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate. For each study multivariate regression models were developed to predict lung function and Bland-Altman plots were established to evaluate the agreement between predicted and measured values. Results The final regression equations for FEV 1 and FVC showed adjusted r-square values between 0.65 and 0.75, and for PEF they were between 0.46 and 0.61. In all studies gender, age, height and pack-years were significant determinants, each with a similar effect size. Regarding other predictors there were some, although not statistically significant, differences between the studies. Bland-Altman plots indicated that the regression models for each individual study adequately predict medium (i.e. normal) but not extremely high or low lung function values in the whole study population. Conclusions Simple models with gender, age and height explain a substantial part of lung function variance whereas further determinants add less than 5% to the total explained r-squared, at least for FEV1 and FVC. Thus, for different adult subpopulations of Germany one simple model for each lung function measures is still sufficient.

Postoperative Pulmonary Function in Open versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-Analysis of the Tiffenau Index

“…Fuso’s and Chetta’s reviews support the importance of clinical relevance in assessing these respiratory outcomes. In particular, they reported that patients with lower values of respiratory parameters had an increased risk of pulmonary complications with respect to patients with normal patterns and the reduction of FEV 1 was an independent predictor of pulmonary impairment after abdominal surgery [28,29,30]. …”

Peak Expiratory Flow Assessment in Smokers Liabilities

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Silva et al 20 studied the reliability of the PEF meter on the expiratory peak in female smokers and non-smokers, and observed that the female smokers had the lowest PEF compared to non-smokers, concluding that the equipment can be a reliable method to be used in this population. However, the present study did not show differences in PEF in smokers liabilities compared to participants not exposed to ETS, corroborating with our findings that did not show any statistical difference between the groups evaluated.…”

“…In addition, their inhalation can cause several health damages 3,4 such as changes in lung function, which can increase bronchial reactivity, airways obstruction and reduction in spirometric values, as well as reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF). [5][6][7] PEF is a measure of pulmonary function and can be defined as the largest flow obtained in a forced expiration from a complete inspiration at the level of Total Pulmonary Capacity (TPC). 5,8,9 Several studies have reported that ETS exposure in adults also results in a significant impairment of pulmonary function.…”

“…[5][6][7] PEF is a measure of pulmonary function and can be defined as the largest flow obtained in a forced expiration from a complete inspiration at the level of Total Pulmonary Capacity (TPC). 5,8,9 Several studies have reported that ETS exposure in adults also results in a significant impairment of pulmonary function. 10,11 Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare PEF in smokers liabilities with participants not exposed to ETS.…”

Skin Tissue Healing Induced by Coherent (Laser) or Non-Coherent (LED) Light Therapy on Aged Rats

“…Light carries energy that deposited in the cell organelles (mainly mitochondria) of injured tissues and increases the level of biochemical reactions at cellular level, increasing cell metabolism and modulating positively the healing tissue. [2][3][4][5][6] Compared to the coherent, monochromatic laser sources, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a non-coherent, low-cost option in applications where visible and infrared light with reasonable monochromaticity are needed. Recently the effect of low power LED therapy in the tissue healing process has been evaluated.…”