Lung function tests are used to detect obstructed airways and these scores are then compared to normal lung function ranges to help diagnose and detect the severity of lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers have been studying how to update reference ranges for normal lung function with race-neutral criteria and evaluated a recent model, the 2022 Global Lung Function Initiative — which is recommended by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society.
Through research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the authors predict this equation could reclassify lung function scores for millions of Americans. The authors note these projections aren’t expected to alter predictions for clinical outcomes but could have broad societal impacts. This includes providing updated criteria for adults eligible for advanced medical treatment, certain jobs, such as being on a fire and rescue team, medical impairment, military disability, and for receiving priority status for lung transplant waiting lists.
The research was funded by NHLBI and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.