Association between Anthropometry and Spirometry-based Lung Function Measures among Bengali Children and Adolescents of Asian Indian Origin

Abstract Obejective: To examine the association between body size using anthropometric measures and spirometry-based lung function in Asian Indian children aged 10–18 years. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 136 rural children near Barasat (West Bengal), India. Anthropometric measures were recorded using standard techniques. Spirometry was performed with a PC-based spirometer and followed by ATS/ERS Guidelines, 2005. Results: Height and age had a strong association with forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV 1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and not with their ratio. Most of the anthropometric measures showed a significant positive correlation with FEV 1 , FVC and airflows and the correlation was highly dependent on height and age. However, FEV 1 /FVC showed a significant negative correlation independent of height and age. Conclusion: Anthropometry, particularly adiposity measures, positively affects lung volumes and negatively affects their ratio. This finding is not confirmed, but hinted the possibility of developing impaired lung function, particularly airway obstruction in children. Detailed investigation is necessary on the relationship between Lung Function and body size, including fat mass and lean mass, across ethnic population, including Asian Indians.