1Dr Azizullah Langah
1Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawab shah, Sindh
2Dr Naseer Ahmad Memon
2Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawab shah, Sindh
Abstract
Objective: To determine the utility and accuracy of race-neutral equations in interpreting PFTs, as compared to standard (race-specific) equations, for two pediatric cohorts. The aim is to counter health disparities in clinical decision-making and design unadulterated medical tests.
Methods: Three pediatric cohorts were evaluated, including two by an unspecified based on age and gender characteristics. Lung Function Tests (PFTs) were done according to our institution protocol with mainly spirometry. Race-neutral as well as race-specific calculations were used to interpret the PFT results. This included reaffirming the results of PFTs (from patients) and basic demographic information. Various tests and significance levels were performed in the statistical analyses, which compared resulting interpretation outcomes between equation types. The researchers accounted for potential confounders and biases to produce a study with sound findings.
Results: Descriptive statistics presented a summary of participant characteristics and baseline correlates. These analyses showed that the race-neutral equations led to a less biased estimation of lung function in different races and ethnicities than dynamic algorithms based on specific populations. PFT interpretation results differed greatly, with race-neutral equations appearing to perform better than the other four sets. Subgroup analysis revealed differences in the perception of what is bad with regard to age and gender, as such approaches should be tailored for paediatric populations. The discovery adds to a growing body of research showing that race-neutral calculations can enhance clinical judgment, potentially augmenting the accuracy by which individuals are diagnosed and treated.
Conclusions: This is the first study, which adds more evidence to other previous reports showing a good efficiency and reliability of race-neutral equations in interpreting PFTs among pediatric population. These equations ensure health equity by instituting an unbiased race-neutral diagnostic tool. Best practice is integration of race-neutral equations into clinical workflow, with an opportunity for education/ WHEs and competency training. These results further support the necessity of future research to refine these equations and investigate their application in other medical tests aimed at eliminating bias from healthcare decisions as well as enhancing patient health overall.
Keywords: Pulmonary Function , Race Neutral Equations , Padiatric Cohorts, Health Equity