摘要
Objectives: To assess concordance between the fixed 70% ratio cutoff point with the fixed percent predicted values (Fixed-ratio) and the lower limit of normal (LLN) algorithms in interpreting spirometry results in an older population. Methods: Spirometries were interpreted using Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reference equations for 2319 workers. Results: The Fixed-ratio algorithm characterized 34.5% (n = 801) results as abnormal, compared with 29.7% (n = 689) by the LLN. There were almost twice as many obstructive and mixed airways spirometries identified under the Fixed-ratio compared to LLN. Rates of restrictive pattern physiology were virtually the same under each algorithm. Overall agreement between the algorithms decreased with age from %26quot;almost perfect%26quot; for those younger than 60 years to %26quot;substantial%26quot; for those older than 80 years. Conclusions: This study found age-related discordance between two algorithms possibly related to the lack of reference equations and standards for individuals older than 80 years.
- 出版日期2013-7