[Reference values for spirometry exemplified by FVC and FEV1 parameters--comparison of normal values of the Pathophysiology of Respiration Section and the European Society for Coal and Steel].

Reference values published by the Section Pathophysiology of Breathing in the Society for Pulmology and Tuberculosis of the GDR and reference values of European Community for Coal and Steel (EGKS) were compared on example of FVC and FEV1. It was found a relative well accordance of reference values of FVC and FEV1 in younger and middle-aged men of a height from 160-200 cm (between -5 to +15%). In women with a body height of 150 to 200 cm a well correlation for FVC and FEV1 is also given (-10 to +10%). Reference values are showing a more important difference with increasing age and independent of sex. There are problems concerning the reference values in male and female lower than 155 cm body height.