Lung Function Parameters in Healthy Libyan Children and   Adolescents aged between 4 - 19 years

Faraj Abdussalam; Adel  Gritli; Millad  Ghawil; Suad  Elmeddah; Ali  Mgadmi; Alois  Zapletal

doi:10.54361/

Authors

Faraj Abdussalam Pediatric Department, Tripoli Medical Center, University of Tripoli, Libya. Author
Adel Gritli Pediatric Department, Tajoura Hospital, Libya. Author
Millad Ghawil Pediatric Department, Tripoli Medical Center, University of Tripoli, Libya, Author
Suad Elmeddah Pediatric Department, Tripoli Medical Center, University of Tripoli, Libya, Author
Ali Mgadmi Pediatric Department, Tripoli Medical Center, University of Tripoli, Libya, Author
Alois Zapletal Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Motol, Prague, Czech Republic Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/

Keywords:

lung function tests, Expiratory flow-volume curves

Abstract

Background: No appropriate reference values of lung function parameters exist in healthy Libyan children with which the same parameters of pediatric respiratory patients of this country can be compared. Our aim; to asses lung function parameters in Libyan healthy children to use in assessment of lung function abnormalities in children with respiratory disease. Methods: Spirometeric values were measured in a group of 449 healthy Libyan children and adolescents (226 boys and 223 girls), aged between 4-19 years old. Multiple linear analysis was performed for each spirometric parameter against age, weight, height and BMI. Results: The values of the measured parameters increased nonlinearly and correlated significantly with body height (P 0.05); the correlation was much lower with age. The best- fit regression equation relating the measured parameters values and body height was a simple power function providing the possibility to calculate the mean value with lower and upper limits for each parameter. No statistical significant differences of the studied functional parameters were found between boys and girls. Conclusions: our reference values are close to those of the European children. These developed predictive values can be used in clinical practice in Libya and in other neighboring North African countries.

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