Abstract
To establish reference norms of lung function parameters for healthy Sri Lankan Tamil young adults. Cross sectional study of Tamil students at the Faculty of Medicine, Jaffna. Healthy non smoking students of Sri Lankan Tamil ethnic group were enrolled. Age, height, weight, BMI and spirometric measurements (Micro Quark) were recorded in 267 participants (137 females and 130 males). Height was significantly correlated with (p<0.05) all the lung function parameters except FEV1%, PEFR and MEF75 in males. Prediction equations were derived by regression analysis based on the height as an independent variable. Predicted lung function values for a particular age and height were lower than values predicted for Pakistanis, Kelatanese Malaysians and eastern Indians. The values were comparable to south Indians in Madras. Our FVC values of males and VC of females were closer to Sri Lankan Sinhalese. FEV1 and FEF25-75 in males were slightly higher and FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75 in females were slightly lower in Tamils. When mean values were compared, these parameters were significantly higher in Tamil males (p<0.001) and significantly lower in Tamil females (p<0.001). These values will be useful in interpreting lung function parameters of the particular age group as there are no published norms for Sri Lankan Tamils. However, our study sample was confined to medical students of 20-28 years which may explain the differences with Sinhalese.
Highlights
Measurement of lung volume was first done by Borelli in 17th century, who measured the inspired volume in single breath [1]
Predicted lung function values for a particular age and height were lower than values predicted for Pakistanis, Kelatanese Malaysians and eastern Indians
Our forced vital capacity (FVC) values of males and vital capacities (VC) of females were closer to Sri Lankan Sinhalese
Summary
Measurement of lung volume was first done by Borelli in 17th century, who measured the inspired volume in single breath [1]. In 18th century Thrackrah showed that the lung volumes were lower in women than in men. He found low lung volumes in people who were exposed to dust frequently. The resistance of the instrument makes it difficult to perform the test. These features hindered the use of spirometer in routine practice. Advancement in technology resulted in portable flow sensing spirometers which can automatically display several parameters and store the results. This made spirometry a convenient tool which can be used in clinical practice
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