Comparison of two spirometry reference equations in predicted FEV1 quantification and its effects on hematopoietic cell transplantation‐specific comorbidity index (HCT‐CI)

[...]the values of the expected percentage of the FEV1, according to the ECSC equation, 5 were on average higher levels (M = 97.25%; SD = 19.89), in comparison to the values of the expected percentage of the FEV1, according to the GLI equation 1 (M = 92.49; SD = 15.58), statistical significance, t(149) = 6.40 (p < 0.001) (Table 2). [...]by applying the HCT-CI score, namely the designated criterion of presence and/or severeness of the pulmonary disease, according to the obtained values of the expected FEV1, the prevalence of patients without a pulmonary disease in our sample was of 80.5%, through the ECSC equation 5 and 77.3% through the GLI equation. 1 The moderate pulmonary disease obtained a prevalence of 9.1% through the ECSC equation 5 and 13.6% through the GLI equation. 1 Finally, the severe pulmonary disease represented 7.8% of the distribution through the ECSC equation 5 and 8.4% of the distribution through the GLI equation. 1 Applying the GLI equation, the frequency of lung disease is higher (in both subgroups: moderate lung disease and severe lung disease) (Table 3). Presence/severeness of pulmonary disease (HTC-CI score) according to FEV1 through the ECSC and GLI equations ECSC GLI No pulmonary disease 124 (80.5%) 119 (77.3%) Moderate pulmonary disease 14 (9.1%) 21 (13.6%) Severe pulmonar disease 12 (7.8%) 13 (8.4%) Omitted values 4 (2.6%) 1 (0.6%) Abbreviations: ECSC, European Coal and Steel Community; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in the first second; GLI, Global Lung Function Initiative; HCT-CI, hematopoietic cell transplant specific comorbidity index. [...]our data support that the choice of the used equation might affect the obtained scoring in the designated criterion of pulmonary disease and, consequently, have an impact on the obtained HCT-CI score, and finally influence the clinical decision. [...]the authors highlight the need for more study cases to determine the best equation to use in this group of patients and standardize the obtained value by the HCT-CI score.