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Prediction equations for pulmonary function in children and adolescents

The SpirXpert software package presents ample choice of predictive equations for children and adolescents. It is probably the only software that allows the user to compare graphically predicted values due to different authors, and to ascertain how well predicted values for children and adolescents connect to those for adults. The following prediction equations for children and adolescents are at the present time included in the software:

  1. Stanojevic S, Wade A, Stocks J, Hankinson J, Coates AL, Pan H, Rosenthal M, Corey M, Lebecque P, Cole TJ. Reference ranges for spirometry across all ages. A new approach. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 177: 253–260.
  2. Forche G, Stadlober E, Harnoncourt K: Neue spirometrische Bezugswerte für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene. Ost. Ärztezeitung 1988; 43, 15/16, 40-42.
  3. Hsu HKH, Jenkins DE, Hsi BP, Bourhofer E, Thompson V, Tanaka N, Hsieh GSJ. Ventilatory functions of normal children and young adults, Mexican-American, white and black. Spirometry. J Pediatr 1979, 95: 14-23.
  4. Knudson RJ, Lebowitz MD, Holberg CJ, Burrows B: Changes in the normal maximal expiratory flow-volume curve with growth and aging. Am Rev Respir Dis 1983; 127: 725-734.
  5. Hankinson JL, Odencrantz JR, Fedan KB. Spirometric reference values from a sample of the general US population. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 159: 179-187.
  6. Pereira (Brazilian population).
  7. Polgar G, Promadhat V. Pulmonary function testing in children: Techniques and standards. Philadelphia, Saunders, 1971.
  8. Quanjer PhH, Borsboom GJJM, Brunekreef B, Zach M, Forche G, Cotes JE, Sanchis J, Paoletti P. Spirometric reference values for white European children and adolescents: Polgar revisited. Pediatr Pulmonol 1995; 19: 135-142.
  9. Roca (a multicentric Spanish study).
  10. Salorinne (Finnish population).
  11. Wang X, Dockery DW, Wypij D, Fay ME, Ferris BG. Pulmonary function between 6 and 18 years of age. Pediatr Pulmonol 1993 15: 75-88.
  12. Zapletal A, Paul T, Samanek N. Die Bedeutung heutiger Methoden der Lungenfunktionsdiagnostik zur Feststellung einer Obstruktion der Atemwege bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Z Erkrank Atm-Org 1977; 149: 343-371.

Regression equations that fit European children and adolescents, and which form part of the SpirXpert software, are:

Girls Regression equation Residual scatter
ln FEV1 -1.5974 + (1.5016 + 0.0119·age)·height RSD = 0.1063
ln FVC -1.4057 + (1.4800 + 0.0127·age)· height RSD = 0.1063
FEV1%FVC 88.88 RSD = 4.861

Boys    
ln FEV1 -1.2933 + (1.2669 + 0.0174·age)· height RSD = 0.1097
ln FVC -1.2782 + (1.3731 + 0.0164·age)· height RSD = 0.1033
FEV1%FVC 86.21 RSD = 5.58

Height in m, age in yr, FEV1 and FVC in liter.
ln is the natural logarithm.
The RSD is the residual standard deviation, i.e. standard deviation about the predicted values after allowing for age and height.

See also:
Reference values for adults
SpirXpert software

Reference values for children and adolescents
Quanjer PhH, Borsboom GJJM, Brunekreef B, Zach M, Forche G, Cotes JE, Sanchis J, Paoletti P. Spirometric reference values for white European children and adolescents: Polgar revisited. Pediat Pulmonol 1995; 19: 135-142.

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