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Table 6 Comparison between persistent new-onset respiratory symptoms and abnormal spirometry based upon participant lower limit of normal estimates (LLN)

From: Respiratory symptoms and lung function 8–10 months after community exposure to chlorine gas: a public health intervention and cross-sectional analysis

 

Abnormal* spirometry

Normal spirometry

Predictive values

N = 145 (%)

N = 94 (%)

Persistent new-onset respiratory symptoms**

82 (55.9)

28 (38.7)

PPV

74.5%

No pulmonary symptoms

65 (44.1)

45 (61.3)

NPV

59.1%

Validity measures

Sensitivity

Specificity

 

55.8%

61.6%

  1. *Abnormal spirometry FEV1, FVC, or FEV1/FVC Ratio below NHANES % predicted LLN.
  2. **Reported symptoms were persistent new-onset cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or chest tightness since January 2005, Graniteville chlorine spill.