Especialización en Neumología Pediátrica · 2026

Diferencias en las variables espirométricas entre adultos sanos residentes a diferentes altitudes: un estudio de corte transversal

Resumen

Objective: To describe and compare spirometry variables (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio) in a sample of healthy subjects living at different altitudes in Colombia. Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional observational study based on the integrated analysis of data from different sources of information, with the aim of comparing spirometry variables in healthy adults living at different altitudes in Colombia. Results: 990 participants distributed by altitude: 324 subjects; intermediate altitude: 109; and high altitude: 557. The median age was higher in the intermediate altitude group, 60.8 years (48.0–67.1), in the low altitude group, 57.9 years (49.8–65.4), and in the high-altitude group, 58.5 years (50.2–64.5). Forced vital capacity values had medians of 0.03 (-0.51 to 0.70) at low altitude, 0.47 (0.15 to 0.65) at intermediate altitude, and 0.88 (0.18 to 1.66) at high altitude (p < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in the first second showed a progressive increase in z-score values according to altitude, with medians of -0.02 (-0.70 to 0.51) at low altitude, 0.30 (0.63 to 0.33) at intermediate altitude, and 0.61 (-0.21 to 1.45) at high altitude (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Differences in spirometric values of FVC and FEV1 were established between healthy adult populations residing at different altitude levels. The findings show a consistent pattern of variation in these measurements according to altitude of residence in a population with characteristics