Ventilatory Function in Healthy Adult Nigerians

Abstract

1. Static and dynamic lung volumes (yC, FEV lo FRC, ERV, RV and TLC) have been determined in 291 adult healthy Nigerians (174 males and 117 females).2. Prediction formulae of various authors on Caucasians and South African Bantu have been applied to the Nigerian data. The results show significantly smaller VC, FEV 1 , FRC, RV, TLC and RV/TLC in Nigerians than in Caucasians. The VC, FEV 1 and FRC of Nigerians were similar to those of South African Bantu.3. ERV values were similar to those previously reported by other authors for Caucasians. The combination of lower RV values and similar ERV indicates the possibility of less 'basal airway closure' in Nigerians.Several investigators have shown the lung volumes of Africans and peoples of African descent to be significantly less than the values for Caucasians when standardized for age and height These findings support the need for each racial or ethnic group to have its own 'normal' standards of pulmonary function. The aim of the present study was to establish 'normal' values for ventilatory functions in Nigerians. A sample of 291 healthy Nigerian adults were studied. All the sub-divisions of total lung capacity were compared with values predicted by formulae previously derived by other authors for Caucasians and for South African Bantu.Whereas the lung volumes of Nigerians are very similar to those of South African Bantu, the present study confirms the differences previously reported by other workers between the lung • This paper forms part of a thesis approved by the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, for the M.D. degree.

The Effect of a Single Cigarette Puff on Air Flow in the Lungs

“…The findings of this study for the normal control group are in conformity with 17,18,19 those of previous studies on Nigeria. However, the PEFR of the three groups (control, non-smokers and smokers) were significantly higher in the younger age group than the older ones.…”

Lung function, race and ethnicity: a conundrum

“…Sitting height (SH) is probably a better proxy for chest dimensions. The SH/H ratio in adult whites is on average ,0.520, in African Americans ,0.505; this can account for half the difference (100* (1 -(0.505/0.520) 2.25 ) 5 6.4%) between groups, in line with some publications [19][20][21]. For the same age, height and sex the FEV1/VC ratio is virtually identical in different ethnic groups [18]; hence differences in lung volumes are proportional, with other factors besides body dimensions contributing to ethnic differences.…”

“…Many factors have been shown to be associated with the level of pulmonary function, among them SES, poverty, education, altitude and chest dimensions [21,[25][26][27][28]. That preconceived ideas about lung function and ethnicity are a poor guideline is demonstrated by the fact that predicted values for Mexican and European Americans do not differ [18,29].…”

Determinants of health related quality of life in a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Nigeria using the St. George’s respiratory questionnaire

“…The following parameters were measured: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The reference values were derived using equations from a study by FemiPearse et al 15 . The parameters were assessed before and 20 minutes after the inhalation of 400ìg of Salbutamol using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a spacer device.…”