Reference Values for Pulmonary Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity – Results of the “Study of Health in Pomerania”

Abstract

Objectives The assessment of pulmonary single-breath diffusing capacity is a frequently performed diagnostic procedure and considered as an important tool in medical surveillance examinations of pulmonary diseases.

The aim of this study was to establish reference equations for pulmonary single-breath diffusing capacity parameters in a representative adult-population across a wide age range and to compare the normative values from this sample with previous ones.

Methods Diffusing capacity measurement was carried out in 3566 participants (1811 males) of a cross-sectional, population-based survey (“Study of Health in Pomerania – SHIP”).

Results Individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders and current smoking habits were excluded, resulting in 1786 healthy individuals (923 males), aged 20 – 84 years. Prediction equations for both sexes were established by quantile regression analyses, taking into consideration the influence of age, height, weight and former smoking.

Conclusion The study provides a novel set of prediction equations for pulmonary single-breath diffusing capacity in an adult Caucasian population. The results are comparable to previously reported equations, underline their importance and draw attention to the need for up-to-date reference equations that adequately take into account both the subjects’ origin, age, anthropometric characteristics and the equipment used.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Die Erhebung der Diffusionskapazitätsparameter im Rahmen der Lungenfunktionsdiagnostik ist eine häufig angewandte Methode im klinischen Alltag, die der Beurteilung von funktionellen Einschränkungen dient. Mit der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden Referenzwerte für diese Parameter anhand einer gesunden Normalbevölkerungsstichprobe erhoben und mit bereits etablierten Referenzwerten verglichen.

Methode Die Messung der Diffusionskapazität erfolgte an 3566 Probanden (1811 männlich) einer populationsbasierten Querschnittstudie (Study of Health in Pomerania).

Ergebnisse Probanden mit kardiopulmonalen Erkrankungen oder fortgesetztem Nikotinabusus wurden von den Analysen ausgeschlossen, sodass die Daten von 1786 Gesunden (923 Männer) im Alter von 20 – 84 Jahren zur Verfügung standen. Normwertformeln für beide Geschlechter wurden anhand quantiler Regressionsanalysen erstellt und für Alter, Größe, Gewicht und früheren Nikotinabusus adjustiert.

Schlussfolgerung Die vorliegende Studie liefert Normwertformeln für Parameter der Diffusionsmessung, erhoben an einer erwachsenen kaukasischen Normalbevölkerungsstichprobe. Die Ergebnisse sind gut vergleichbar mit denen früherer Untersuchungen und untermauern deren Bedeutung. Die Etablierung von Normwerten für die Parameter der Diffusionskapazität sollte Herkunft, Alter und anthropometrische Charakteristika berücksichtigen.

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