Published ahead of print on July 17, 2003, doi:10.1164/rccm.200303-451OC Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Volume 168, Number 7, October 2003, 804-809 A more recent version of this article appeared on October 1, 2003
Submitted on March 28, 2003 Prediction of Childhood Pulmonary Function Using Ulna LengthLeanne M Gauld1*,1 Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2 Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3 Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: gauldl{at}sesahs.nsw.gov.au.
Pulmonary function is important in neuromuscular weakness. In children, height determines normal values. Height measurement is unreliable in neuromuscular weakness or spinal deformity. The aim was to accurately predict pulmonary function from a limb segment measurement that is precise and reproducible. Normal males (n=1144) and females (n=1199), 5.3 to 19.6 years were recruited from Melbourne schools. Height, weight, ulna, forearm, tibia and lower leg length were measured using a Harpenden stadiometer and calipers, and electronic scales. Three maximal expiratory maneuvers were performed. Limb measurements were highly reproducible. Linear regression on log-transformed FEV1 and FVC were used to develop prediction equations from limb measurements and age. In males: FEV1 = exp (0.071 x U + 0.046 x A - 1.269), R2 = 0.86; FVC = exp (0.77 x U + 0.041 x A - 1.285), R2 = 0.86. In females: FEV1 = exp (0.072 x U + 0.041 x A - 1.272), R2 = 0.84; FVC = exp (0.078 x U + 0.037 x A - 1.315), R2 = 0.83. Precision is similar to equations using height. Ulna measurement is accessible in wheelchair bound children. Using ulna length to predict pulmonary function should facilitate respiratory assessment in children whose height is difficult to measure. Key words: Anthropometry, Neuromuscular Diseases, Scoliosis, Pediatrics, Respiratory Function Tests
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