Pulmonary function in Afro-Jamaicans: implications in screening

ABSTRACT

Pneometric parameters and closing volume were measured in 950 Afro-Jamaicans of both sexes. Prediction formulae relating each measurement to age and height were constructed. Based on these formulae it is concluded that differences in compartments of the lung exist in Afro-Jamaicans. Closing volume measurements yielded higher values for Afro-Jamaicans than is observed in white populations. It is suggested that in the absence of baseline values an erroneous diagnosis of small airway disease could result. The possibility that the observed differences may have been due to environmental rather than genetic factors is discussed. (AU)