INTRODUCTION

: It is recommended that in spirometric studies each population have its own reference valúes due to regional conditions as well as ethnic, age, social, geographical and climatic characteristics. Previous studies show high levels of particulate matter, polycyclic hydrocarbons and volatile compounds in the air of La Plata city and surroundings, with correlation between chronic exposure to pollutants and adverse effects on lung development and function. The objective was to establish regional reference values for spirometric parameters in adolescents of La Plata, following the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS).

METHODS

: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was carried out, performing and analyzing 171 spirometries in healthy young people between 13 and 17 years of age. Correlation measures were carried out to identify the predictive variables of spirometry. For the prediction equations, regression models were adjusted according to gender.

RESULTS

: The highest correlation was found with height and weight. Equations were developed for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) for each gender.

DISCUSSION

: The calculation of newparameters, with values lower than those proposed by a study in Barcelona and adapted by the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), confirmed the importance of having regional reference values.

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