A Race-neutral Approach to the Interpretation of Lung Function Measurements

Abstract Rationale The use of self-reported race and ethnicity to interpret lung function measurements has historically assumed that the observed differences in lung function between racial and ethnic groups were because of thoracic cavity size differences relative to standing height. Very few studies have considered the influence of environmental and social determinants on pulmonary function. Consequently, the use of race and ethnicity-specific reference equations may further marginalize disadvantaged populations. Objectives To develop a race-neutral reference equation for spirometry interpretation. Methods National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III data (n = 6,984) were reanalyzed with…

• ER
  European Respiratory Society