Longfunctie en etniciteit

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.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.