ABSTRACT

Background: Characteristics of the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFV) in healthy subjects from Mexico City have not been determined, which is important considering the altitude and atmospheric pollution of this city. Objective: To analyze the MEFV curves from healthy individuals living in Mexico city. Methods: 875 subjects (481 females, 394 males), most of them undergraduate alumni, were studied between 1991 and 1999. Measurements were done in a low-impedance, low-inertia system coupled to a computer. Results were expressed as percentage of values predicted by Ellis et al. Results: MEFV curves were normal or with values higher than predicted in 414 subjects (47%), showed an obstructive pattern in 362 (41%), a restrictive pattern in 35 (4%) and a mixed pattern in 64 (7%). Compared with women having a normal MEFV curve, those women with abnormal curves were younger, those with a mixed pattern had lower body weight, and those with an obstructive pattern had a shorter height. Conclusions: Our data showed that up to 53% of healthy subjects living in Mexico City had an abnormal MEFV curve, and that age, weight and height were associated with abnormalities in the MEFV curves in women.

KEYWORDS

Flow-volume curve, MEFV curve, healthy subjects, pulmonary function test, Mexico City.

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