RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The recent multi-ethnic global lung initiative 2012 (GLI2012) reference values don't reflect contemporary Mediterranean spirometry JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P2409 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Helmi Ben Saad A1 Mohamed Nour Elattar A1 Khaoula Hadj Mabrouk A1 Chiraz Maatoug A1 Sonia Rouatbi YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2409.abstract AB Introduction. The applicability of the recent Multi-ethnic reference values derived by the GLI2012 in interpreting spirometry data in Tunisian subjects has not been studied. Aims. To see if GLI2012 Multi-ethnic and Tunisian prediction equations can be used interchangeably while interpreting routine spirometric data. Methods. Spirometric data were recorded from 1192 consecutive spirometry procedures in adults aged 18-63 years. Predicted values and lower limits of normality (LLN) were calculated using both regression equations. Applied definitions: large airway obstructive ventilatory defect (LAOVD): FEV1/FVC < LLN. Small AOVD (SAOVD): FEV1/FVC > LLN and FVC > LLN and FEF25-75% < LLN. Tendency through a restrictive ventilatory defect (TRVD): FEV1 and FVC < LLN. Mixed VD (MVD): FEV1/FVC and FEV1 and FVC < LLN and FEV1 < LLN. Z-scores for spirometry from Mediterranean healthy subjects (n=489) were calculated. If the average z-score deviated by < ±0.40 from the overall mean, the GLI2012 reference values will be considered as reflective of contemporary Mediterranean spirometry.Results: According to Tunisian and GLI2012 reference equations, the percentages of subjects with normal spirometry data, or having LAOVD, or SAOVD or a TRVD or a MVD, were significantly different, respectively, 35% vs 84%, 7% vs 4%, 37% vs 2%; 19% vs 9% and 3% vs 2%. The mean±SD Z-scores of the healthy group were -0.55±0.87 for FEV1, -0.62±0.86 for FVC, 0.10±0.73 for FEV1/FVC, 4.43±0.69 for FEF75% and 0.07±0,93 for FEF25-75%).Conclusion. Our results don’t support the use of the GLI2012 reference ranges to interpret spirometry in Mediterraneans.