Lung function trajectories using different reference equations in a birth cohort study up to the age of 20 years

Abstract

New spirometry reference values from the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) and the LUNOKID (Lungenfunktions-Normalwerte bei Kindern in Deutschland [Lung function Normal Values of Children in Germany]) study were published in 2012 and 2013, respectively, using a nonlinear model for lung function trajectories [1-3]. There is a lack of empirical testing of these new equations and reference values in longitudinal cohort studies.

Early priming of asthma and respiratory allergies: Future aspects of prevention

“…childhood. 14,15 The investigators discuss whether the deficit might be congenital. Whether or not impaired lung function in early life in a given patient is predictive of COPD later in adulthood remains unclear, but the observation that lung function trajectories tend to track with age suggests that there is an important link that deserves further studies.…”

“…In the German MAS birth cohort, where longitudinal lung function development was followed up to the age of 20 years, lung function trajectories of atopic asthmatics were found to be reduced at the age of 13 and 20 years compared to those of other asthmatics. Data from the Copenhagen prospective birth cohort (children of mothers with asthma) on asthma in Childhood (COPSAC 2000) suggest that lung function of children with persistent asthma seems to be reduced from very early life and remains reduced throughout childhood 14,15 …”

“…Atopic manifestations are well‐known to run in families, and having an affected family member constitutes a major risk factor 15–19 …”

“…Atopic manifestations are well-known to run in families, and having an affected family member constitutes a major risk factor. [15][16][17][18][19] Hundreds of genes have been associated with disease, but more importantly, we now know that asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema partly coexist because they share many genes that are involved in immune-regulation and host-response mechanisms. 18,19 One such example is the TSLP gene on chromosome 5q22, which encodes for a cytokine that may serve as a master regulator of type 2 immune responses in asthma and allergies.…”