Cross-sectional relation of ethnicity to ventilatory function in a West London population.

BACKGROUND

Urban populations worldwide are of increasingly diverse ethnicity. International recommendations suggest that ethnically specific norms should be applied when assessing spirometry, although the lower forced vital capacity (FVC) in African Americans is associated with lower survival.

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in ventilatory function in a current, ethnically diverse British population.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional survey of three primary care practices in West London, 677 participants aged ≥40 years provided acceptable post-bronchodilator spirometric data. Ethnicity was self-defined using the British Census questions and grouped as 'White', 'African-Caribbean' and 'Other'.

RESULTS

After adjustment, the ratio of 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) to FVC was 1.0% (95%CI -2.5 to 4.5) higher in Black men and 1.8% (-0.8 to 4.4) higher in Black women compared with the White population. In contrast, FVC was 870 ml (-1140 to -600) lower in Black men and 590 ml (-760 to -420) lower in Black women. Participants from 'Other' ethnic groups had results similar to those of Black participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The FEV(1)/FVC ratio can be used without regard to ethnic background to assess obstruction. However, FVC is systematically lower in all minority ethnic groups.