Yonsei Med J.  2012 Mar;53(2):363-368. 10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.363.

Application of a New Spirometric Reference Equation and Its Impact on the Staging of Korean Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

• Hwang YI
• Kim EJ
• Lee CY
• Park S
• Choi JH
• Park YB
• Jang SH
• Kim CH
• Shin TR
• Park SM
• Kim DG
• Lee MG
• Hyun IG
• Jung KS

• KMID: 1120204
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.363

Abstract

PURPOSE
A new spirometric reference equation was recently developed from the first national chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) survey in Korea. However, Morris' equation has been preferred for evaluating spirometric values instead. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in severity staging in Korean COPD patients by adopting the newly developed Korean equation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated the spirometric data of 441 COPD patients. The presence of airflow limitation was defined as an observed post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 0.7, and the severity of airflow limitation was assessed according to GOLD stages. Spirometric values were reassessed using the new Korean equation, Morris' equation and other reference equations.
RESULTS
The severity of airflow limitation was differently graded in 143 (32.4%) patients after application of the new Korean equation when compared with Morris' equation. All 143 patients were reallocated into more severe stages (49 at mild stage, 65 at moderate stage, and 29 at severe stage were changed to moderate, severe and very severe stages, respectively). Stages according to other reference equations were changed in 18.6-49.4% of the patients.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that equations from different ethnic groups do not sufficiently reflect the airflow limitation of Korean COPD patients. The Korean reference equation should be used for Korean COPD patients in order to administer proper treatment.

Keyword

Spirometry; reference equation; COPD; diagnosis; stage

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Female
Humans
Korea
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/*diagnosis/pathology
Retrospective Studies
Spirometry/*methods

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Changes of COPD stage after application of the newly developed Korean equation. COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; ECSC, European Coal and Steel Community.

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  Fig. 2 Distribution of COPD severity according to the newly developed Korean equation and Morris' equation. COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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