RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Applicability of the global lung function initiative (GLI) reference ranges to spirometry data from children in Nepal JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P1225 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Delan Devakumar A1 Jane Kirkby A1 Dharma Manandhar A1 David Osrin A1 Bhim Shrestha A1 Shiva Shanker Chaube A1 Janet Stocks YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1225.abstract AB BackgroundAs lung function differs by ethnic group, the GLI recently produced all-age, multi-ethnic reference equations (Quanjer, ERJ 2012), but no specific equations exist yet for South Asian groups.AimTo ascertain whether any of the current ethnic-specific GLI equations are appropriate for use in children from southern Nepal.MethodSpirometry was performed according to ATS/ERS standards, adjusted for children (Kirkby Ped pulm 2008) in 7-9yr olds participating in a follow-up of antenatal micronutrients. Results were interpreted using each of the GLI ethnic-specific equations, to ascertain best fit, based on the fact that mean(SD) spirometry z-scores in a healthy population should approximate 0(1).ResultsSpirometry was obtained from 841 children. Data were excluded due to acute illness (n=8), chronic illness (n=121) and poor technique (n=48), leaving data from 678 ‘healthy’ children (mean age 8.5yr; 51% boys). While use of the ‘Black’ GLI equation provided the best fit for FEV1 [mean(SD) 0.09(0.86) z score], the SE Asia equation was slightly better for FVC (Figure 1). The NE Asia and ‘Other’ equations were also assessed but were inappropriate. FEV1/FVC was interpreted appropriately using any of the ethnic specific equations, except SE Asia.ConclusionUntil ethnic-specific GLI coefficients can be developed, use of the GLI-Black equations appear the most appropriate for Nepalese children.