Use of lambda-mu-sigma-derived Z score for evaluating respiratory impairment in middle-aged persons

Respir Care. 2011 Nov;56(11):1771-7. doi: 10.4187/respcare.01192. Epub 2011 May 20.

Abstract

Background: The lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method calculates the lower limit of normal for spirometric values as the 5th percentile of the distribution of Z scores. Conceptually, LMS-derived Z scores account for normal age-related changes in pulmonary function, including variability and skewness in reference data. Evidence is limited, however, on whether the LMS method is valid for evaluating respiratory impairment in middle-aged persons.

Objective: To evaluate the association of LMS-defined respiratory impairment (airflow limitation and restrictive pattern) with mortality and respiratory symptoms.

Methods: We analyzed spirometric data from white participants ages 45-64 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, n = 1,569) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ARIC, n = 8,163).

Results: LMS-defined airflow limitation was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratios: NHANES III 1.90, 95% CI 1.32-2.72, ARIC 1.28, 95% CI 1.06-1.57), and respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratios: NHANES III 2.48, 95% CI 1.75-3.51, ARIC 2.27, 95% CI 1.98-2.62). LMS-defined restrictive-pattern was also significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratios: NHANES III 1.98, 95% CI 1.08-3.65, ARIC 1.38, 95% CI 1.03-1.85), and respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratios: NHANES III 2.34, 95% CI 1.44-3.80, ARIC 1.89, 95% CI 1.46-2.45).

Conclusions: In white middle-age persons, LMS-defined airflow limitation and restrictive-pattern were significantly associated with mortality and respiratory symptoms. Consequently, an approach that reports spirometric values based on LMS-derived Z scores might provide an age-appropriate and clinically valid strategy for evaluating respiratory impairment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Reference Values
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spirometry* / methods
  • Spirometry* / standards
  • Spirometry* / statistics & numerical data