Race-neutral versus race-specific GLI spirometry equations in a healthy European population

Extract The choice of reference values is crucial for the interpretation of pulmonary function test results. In 2012, the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) published reference equations (GLI-2012) derived from several spirometry indices (forced volume capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio) measured in a large population of healthy, non-smoking individuals from several ethnic groups [1]. The GLI-2012 equations were used to convert the measured values into z-scores and produce a predicted value as a function of sex, age, height, and ethnicity.