Lung function in white children aged 4 to 19 years: II--Single breath analysis and plethysmography. Issue 8 (August 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosenthal, M; Cramer, D; Bain, S H; Denison, D; Bush, A; Warner, J O
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 48:Issue 8(1993)
• Page Start: 803
• Page End: 808
• Publication Date: 1993-08
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.48.8.803
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--A study was performed to determine reference ranges for whole body plethysmographic gas volumes and single breath gas transfer in healthy prepubertal and pubertal schoolchildren. METHODS--The study was performed in 772 white London schoolchildren (455 male) who were clinically examined, assessed auxologically and, in 63% of cases, pubertally staged. Regression equations for the calculation of standard deviation scores were derived. RESULTS--Male lung function variables showed a discontinuous pattern of increase with standing height. Linear increases until puberty were followed by a sudden pubertal rise and a further increase with height which was more marked than before puberty. Correction for varying thoracic dimensions eliminated these changes. In females a smoother curvilinear relationship was observed with no correction possible for thoracic size. CONCLUSIONS--Male puberty leads to profound changes in pulmonary function mostly related to thoracic size, an effect not observed in females.