Reference values and prediction equations for FVC and FEV1 in the Greek elderly

Spirometry prediction equations obtained from middle-age adults, when extra polated for the elderly, may lead to inaccurate interpretations. The purpos e of this study was to determine prediction equations for forced vital capa city (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in the Greek elderly populat ion. Spirometry prediction equations for normal FVC and FEV1 have been deri ved 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 recommendation s. Regression analysis using age, height, and weight as independent variabl es 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 abou t 52.8 mL/y for elderly men and 46.4 mL/y for elderly women. Values from th is 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 ot her 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 th is study allows the use of our model for predicting in a rather reliable wa y the FVC and FEV1 for elderly Creek individuals.