[Lung function and ethnicity: comments on race-neutral reference equations].

Abstract

Recently, race-neutral reference equations have been published for spirometry, based on a large international reference population ('Global Lung Initiative'). Analysis of demographic data in the USA shows that this may have negative consequences for some groups, compared with race-specific reference equations. De underlying question remains whether ethnic differences exist in lung function. Most measurements have been performed in people of North-European ancestry and are therefore probably not representative for the rest of the world. A more representative study is warranted. Ideally, we can find out which factors determine possible differences between ethnic groups, so that spirometry values can be corrected for these factors.