Reference Values and Prediction Equations for FVC and FEV1 in the Greek Elderly

Spirometry prediction equations obtained from middle-age adults, when extrapolated for the elderly, may lead to inaccurate interpretations. The purpose of this study was to determine prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) in the Greek elderly population. Spirometry prediction equations for normal FVC and FEV₁ have been derived from tests on 71 healthy persons (38 men, 33 women) aged older than 60 years (range, 65–85 years), nonsmokers, white race, urban population using techniques and equipment that meet American Thoracic Society recommendations. Regression analysis using age, height, and weight as independent variables was used to provide prediction equations and values for both sexes. The FVC age coefficient in this healthy group was about 47.19 mL/y for elderly men and 34.27 mL/y for elderly women, and the FEV₁ age coefficient was about 52.8 mL/y for elderly men and 46.4 mL/y for elderly women . Values from this study predicted equations were compared with those from some of the most commonly used sources of spirometry predicted equations. The FVC and FEV₁ predicted values were found to be of less mean square error than that of other compared studies. Higher correlation is between FVC and FEV₁ predicted values by the present model and FVC and FEV₁ observed values in both sexes. The higher correlation between FVC and FEV₁ predicted and observed from this study allows the use of our model for predicting in a rather reliable way the FVC and FEV₁ for elderly Greek individuals. Accepted for publication: 25 April 2000