Are Ethnic Differences In Lung Function Explained By
Chest Size?
Amy L. Whittaker 1, Alex J. Sutton 2 and Caroline S. Beardsmore 3*
1 Department of Child Health, Leicester Warwick Medical School, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
2 Department of Epidemilogy and Public Health, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
3 Dept Infect'n, Immunity & Inflammatn, University of Leicester & Institute for Lung Health, Leicester, United Kingdom
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: csb{at}le.ac.uk.
Accepted 1 February 2005
 | Abstract |
|---|
Background:Ethnic differences in lung function
(LF) are recognized in adults and children. Most
prediction equations for LF are derived from whites, so
non-whites are at risk of erroneous assessment. We
hypothesized that differences in chest dimensions would
explain differences in LF between Asian (Indian) and
white schoolchildren. Our aim was to quantify the impact
of chest dimensions on LF, which would inform our
understanding of ethnic differences that have
implications for healthcare.
Methods:Children aged 6-11 were studied in
school. A questionnaire provided information on
ethnicity and respiratory health. Spirometry was used to
record FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75 and PEF. We measured weight,
height, sitting height and chest dimensions (chest
height, circumference, antero-posterior and transverse
diameters).
Results:Data were obtained from 294 healthy
children. Standing height was the most important
predictor of LF. Ethnicity was an independent predictor
for all LF measures except PEF, where the effect was
marginal. FVC in whites was 13.4% bigger than in Asians
of the same height, and the FEV1 was 10.6% greater in
whites. The influence of chest dimensions on lung
function was trivial. Body mass index was smaller in
Asians but did not explain differences in LF.
Conclusions:Differences in chest dimensions did
not explain the substantial effect of ethnicity on LF.
Mechanisms whereby ethnicity exerts its influence may
include differences in inspiratory muscle strength or
lung compliance but remain speculative. Nevertheless it
remains imperative that ethnic differences are
recognized when interpreting LF tests.
Keywords:
Forced Expiratory Flow Rates, Forced expiratory volume, Growth, Thorax
