Valeurs de reference spirometriques chez la population Tunisienne

The present study was performed to provide prediction equations and more precise lower limits of normal for spirometic parameters in helthy, well-screened Tunisian subjects as these are unknown. Lung volumes and forced expiratory flows were measured in a random sample of 977 non smoking persons 18-70 years of age [444 women, 533 men]. Techniques and equipment followed the international recommendations. All measurements were carried out using a body plethysmograph. Prediction equations were generated by multiple linear regressions using height and age as independent variables. Upper and lower limits were determined with a non parametric method. Mean values of predicted parameters for Tunisan were lower than for Caucasians and higher than values for black Africans. Spitrometric reference values derived from Tunisian population might be helpfull to" estimate the lung function in the epidemiologic field and for assessement of pulmonary diseases