Standards of forced spirometric tests in normal Saudi males aged 12-16 years

ABSTRACT

The accurate assessment of various lung functions is basic to the care of children, adolescents and adults exposed to occupational lung hazards, or having asthma. What is required is the availability of standards of normal lung function measurements for those being evaluated. Subjects and Methods: Measurements of commonly performed spirometric lung function tests were evaluated in 404 healthy Saudi children and young adults aged 12-26 years. Data for FVC, FEV 1.0, PEFR, V max50% and V max25% and other flow rate indices support the need for ethnically specific standards of normal and Recommendations: The present study provides normal values for PEFR/FVC and V max50 /FVC and other lung function flow rates. Prediction equations are provided for calculating the standard norm of spirometric tests for the first time in Saudi children and young adults